IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473
and
Customer Choice Annual General Meeting Process
Participant Assistance/Cost Award Funding
BEFORE: L.F. Kelsey, Commissioner
C.A. Brown, Commissioner
B.A. Magnan, Commissioner January 9, 2014
D.M. Morton, Commissioner
R.D. Revel, Commissioner
C. van Wermeskerken, Commissioner
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) obtained approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission) in 2006 for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the Commodity Unbundling Project for Residential Customers (Customer Choice) in accordance with the government’s 2002 energy policy which would allow for unbundling of natural gas through gas marketing companies licensed by the Commission;
B. On November 14, 2013, the fifth Customer Choice Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held to discuss the concerns and suggestions of interested parties. Participants included representatives of FEI, the British Columbia Pensioners’ and Seniors’ Organization et al (BCPSO), gas marketers and Commission staff;
C. On December 13, 2013, the British Columbia Public Interest Advocacy Centre, on behalf of its client BCPSO, applied for Participant Assistance/Cost Award (PACA) funding with regard to its participation in the written process leading up to the AGM and preparation for and attendance at the AGM;
D. On December 19, 2013, FEI advised the Commission it has no comments on the PACA amount BCPSO submitted; and
E. The Commission has reviewed the PACA application with regard to the criteria and rates set out in the PACA Guidelines and is satisfied its approval warranted.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 118(1) of the Utilities Commission Act the Commission orders as follows:
1. The British Columbia Pensioners’ and Seniors’ Organization et al is awarded funds in the requested amount of $6,040.55 with respect to its participation in the fifth Customer Choice Annual General Meeting process.
2. FortisBC Energy Inc. is to reimburse the Applicant the amount awarded in a timely manner.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 9th day of January 2014.
BY ORDER
Original Signed by:
D.M. Morton
Commissioner