Orders

IN THE MATTER OF

the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473

and

FortisBC Inc.

Application for a Radio-Off

Advanced Metering Infrastructure Meter Option

BEFORE:               L.F. Kelsey, Commissioner                                           October 1, 2013

O  R  D  E  R

WHEREAS:

A.      On July 26, 2012, FortisBC Inc. (FortisBC) applied to the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission), pursuant to sections 45, 46 and 56 of the Utilities Commission Act, for approval of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project;

B.      By Order C-7-13 dated July 23, 2013, the Commission granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the AMI Project (AMI Project Decision).  The approval was subject to the condition that FortisBC confirm in writing that it will file an application for an opt-out provision by November 1, 2013, based on principles set out in the AMI Project Decision;

C.      On July 31, 2013, FortisBC confirmed in writing that it would file an application for an opt-out provision;

D.      On August 30, 2013, FortisBC filed an application for a Radio-Off AMI Meter Option (the Application) based on principles set out in the AMI Project Decision.  The Application sets out the fees and process for customers who choose the Radio-Off AMI Meter Option;

E.       Order G-142-13 dated September 9, 2013, directed FortisBC to promptly publish notice of the Application in specific newspapers and to distribute copies of Order G-142-13 and its Appendices in a timely fashion, via email, to the Registered Interveners and Interested Parties in the FortisBC Application for a CPCN for the AMI Project.  The Order also directed those parties wishing to participate in the review of the Application to register with the Commission Secretary through the Commission website as soon as possible;

F.       Order G-154-13 dated September 18, 2013 established a written hearing process and a Regulatory Timetable for the review of the Application; and

G.     The Commission Panel has determined that an Amended Regulatory Timetable is warranted in order to establish a filing deadline for Participant Assistance/Cost Award budgets.

NOW THEREFORE the Commission Panel orders as follows:

1.       The Regulatory Timetable established by Order G-154-13 is amended and attached as Appendix A to this Order.

2.       Participant Assistance/Cost Award budgets must be filed with the Commission Secretary by Friday, October 11, 2013 in accordance with the Participant Assistance/Cost Award Guidelines, which are attached as Appendix A to Order G-72-07.

DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this        First           day of October 2013.

                                                                                                                                BY ORDER

Original signed by:

                                                                                                                                L.F. Kelsey

                                                                                                                                Commissioner

Attachment

FortisBC Inc.

Application for a Radio-Off

Advanced Metering Infrastructure Meter Option

AMENDED REGULATORY TIMETABLE