IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473
and
Requiring an On-Site Examination of Silversmith Power and Light Corporation
and the Preparation of a Report Detailing the Findings of the Examination
BEFORE: L.F. Kelsey, Commissioner
D.M. Morton, Commissioner September 4, 2013
R.D. Revel, Commissioner
C. van Wermeskerken, Commissioner
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. On December 12, 1996, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission) issued Order G-116-96 approving for Silversmith Power and Light Corporation (Silversmith) Electric Tariff Terms and Conditions relating to service at Sandon, BC;
B. On May 9, 2013, Commission Letter L-27-13 requested that Silversmith provide outstanding financial and operational information as required by sections 43 and 49 of the Utilities Commission Act (Act);
C. On July 7, 2013, Silversmith provided certain items requested in Letter L-27-13. Silversmith also updated the Commission on various other matters, including its efforts to provide the remaining outstanding information;
D. The information provided in Silversmith’s July 7, 2013 letter to the Commission raised potential operational concerns with respect to Silversmith’s equipment and devices in providing safety, convenience and service to the public in accordance with section 23(1) of the Act;
E. The Commission has determined that an independent examination is necessary in accordance with section 24 of the Act.
NOW THEREFORE:
1. Pursuant to section 24 of the Utilities Commission Act, the Commission initiates an examination into the conduct of Silversmith Power and Light Corporation.
2. Pursuant to sections 8 and 78 of the Utilities Commission Act, the Commission will appoint an independent technical expert to carry out the examination. The person appointed will undertake to perform an on-site examination of Silversmith Power and Light Corporation and is expected to provide a report to the Commission detailing the findings of the examination.
3. Pursuant to section 43(1) of the Utilities Commission Act, Silversmith Power and Light Corporation is directed to fully comply with the examination and provide information and fully respond to inquiries of the Commission and its appointed expert.
4. The Commission will establish the Terms of Reference for the examination and provide a copy to Silversmith Power and Light Corporation. The timing of the on-site examination and production of a report will be established to occur in an efficient and expeditious manner following issuance of this Order and appointment of an independent technical expert.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 5th day of September 2013.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
D.M. Morton
Commissioner