IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473
and
Application for Participant Assistance/Cost Award
in the Filing by FortisBC Energy Inc. and FortisBC Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc.
An Application to Extend the Gas Supply Mitigation Incentive Program
for the Period November 1, 2013 – October 31, 2016 (2013-2016 GSMIP), and
for Approval to Include the Mitigation FEI Performs
on Behalf of FEVI in the 2013-2016 GSMIP
BEFORE: D.M. Morton, Commissioner
C.A. Brown, Com missioner
N.E. MacMurchy, Commissioner November 21, 2013
B.A. Magnan, Commissioner
R.D. Revel, Commissioner
C. van Wermeskerken, Commissioner
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. On July 16, 2013, FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) and FortisBC Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc. (FEVI) jointly filed an application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission) seeking approvals to extend the Gas Supply Mitigation Incentive Program (GSMIP) and to include the mitigation activities FEI performs on behalf of FEVI to be included in the GSMIP model effective November 1, 2013 (the 2013-2016 GSMIP Application). By Order G-115-13 dated August 1, 2013, the Commission established a regulatory timetable to review the 2013-2016 GSMIP Application. By Order G-174-13 dated October 24, 2013, the Commission approved the 2013-2016 GSMIP Application;
B. On August 22, 2013, the British Columbia Public Interest Advocacy Centre (BCPIAC) on behalf of the British Columbia Pensioners’ and Seniors’ Organization et al. (BCPSO) provided comments and questions regarding the 2013-2016 GSMIP Application and was the sole stakeholder who participated in the review process;
C. On September 20, 2013, BCPIAC, on behalf of its client BCPSO, filed a Participant Assistance/Cost Award (PACA) application with the Commission with respect to its participation in the 2013-2016 GSMIP Application;
D. On November 6, 2013, FEI and FEVI indicated that they had no objections on the PACA application;
E. The Commission has reviewed the BSPCO PACA application with regard to the criteria and rates set out in the PACA Guidelines in Commission Order G-72-07 and concludes that the cost awards should be approved for the amount set out in the PACA application.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 118(1) of the Utilities Commission Act, the Commission orders as follows:
1. The cost award is approved for the British Columbia Public Interest Advocacy Centre (BCPIAC) on behalf of the British Columbia Pensioners’ and Seniors’ Organization et al. (BCPSO) in the amount of $2,269.05 for its participation in the 2013-2016 Gas Supply Mitigation Incentive Program Application.
2. FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) and FortisBC Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc. (FEVI) must reimburse BCPIAC, on behalf of its client BCPSO, in a timely manner. FEI and FEVI will determine a fair reimbursement allocation between the two companies and inform the Commission of the allocation when the reimbursement is made.
3. DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 25th day of November 2013.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
D.M. Morton
Commissioner