IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473
and
FortisBC Alternative Energy Services Inc.
Stream A TES Registration for the Seylynn Thermal Energy System
BEFORE: L. F. Kelsey, Commissioner
H. G. Harowitz, Commissioner
K. A. Keilty, Commissioner
N. E. MacMurchy, Commissioner May 7, 2015
I. F. MacPhail, Commissioner
B. A. Magnan, Commissioner
D. M. Morton, Commissioner
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. On December 23, 2013, FortisBC Alternative Energy Services Inc. (FAES) applied to the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission) pursuant to sections 45 and 46 of the Utilities Commission Act (Act) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to construct a geo-exchange system (GES) loop field for the Seylynn Village Development (Development);
B. FAES stated that it would seek further approvals related to the larger thermal energy system (TES) that it plans to purchase from the developer and operate at the Seylynn Development at a later date;
C. On January 15, 2014, the Commission issued Order C-1-14 granting a CPCN to FAES to construct the GES loop field for the Development;
D. On June 26, 2014, the Commission issued a letter informing FAES that it did not intend to review the rates for TES systems that are “in progress”, i.e., that have a CPCN but are not yet in service, and that otherwise comply with the Stream A requirements (i.e., TELUS Garden, Marine Gateway and Seylynn). The Commission noted that it expects FAES to register for Stream A exemptions for these projects;
E. On August 28, 2014, the Commission issued Order G-27-15 approving the TES Regulatory Framework Guidelines (TES Guidelines);
F. On April 24, 2015, FAES filed a Stream A TES registration form for the Seylynn TES; and
G. The Commission reviewed the application and is satisfied that the Seylynn TES meets the characteristics of a Stream A TES and is suitable for exemption from sections 44.1, 45-46 and the Seylynn TES including the GES Loop field are suitable for exemption from sections 59-61 of the Act.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 88(3) of the Utilities Commission Act, and by the advance approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council (Order in Councils 400 and 401), the British Columbia Utilities Commission orders as follows:
1. In accordance with the Thermal Energy Systems (TES) Guidelines the Seylynn Thermal Energy System is exempt from sections 44.1, 45-46 and the Seylynn Thermal Energy System and GES Loop field are exempt from sections 59-61 of the Utilities Commission Act.
2. FortisBC Alternative Energy Services Inc. must file with the Commission, an annual report for the Seylynn TES project in accordance with Stream A annual reporting guidelines as provided in Appendix B of the TES Guidelines, with the first report to be filed on or before February 15, 2016.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, In the Province of British Columbia, this 8th day of May 2015.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
D. Morton
Commissioner