IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473
and
FortisBC Energy Inc.
Application
for Approval of Rate Design and Rates for
Constructing and Operating a Compressed Natural Gas Refueling Station
under the Province’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation for the City of
Vancouver
BEFORE: K. A. Keilty, Panel Chair/Commissioner February 26, 2015
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. On November 14, 2014, FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) and the City of Vancouver entered into a Fueling Station Licence and Use Agreement that establishes terms and conditions for FEI’s provision of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling service. On February 13, 2015, FEI applied to the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission), pursuant to sections 59 to 61 of the Utilities Commission Act (UCA), for interim and final approval of the rate design and rates established in the City of Vancouver Agreement (Application). FEI also requests that the Commission hold the Application in its entirety confidential;
B. Commission Order G-56-13, dated April 11, 2013, determined that the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Clean Energy) Regulation (GGRR) established the need for CNG and Liquefied Natural Gas fueling stations that are undertaken by FEI as prescribed undertakings as defined by the GGRR, and that these prescribed undertaking projects are exempt from the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity requirements for the term of the GGRR;
C. Order G-56-13 determined that the Commission will set rates considering FEI’s total expenditures on the prescribed undertakings as defined by the GGRR; and
D. The Commission has commenced its review of the Application and determines that interim rates are warranted.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to sections 59-61 and 89 of the Utilities Commission Act, the British Columbia Utilities Commission orders as follows:
1. The rate design and rates established in the City of Vancouver Agreement for the Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Service are approved on an interim basis, effective on the date that the fueling service begins, currently anticipated to be June 26, 2015.
2. Any variance between the interim rates and the permanent rates as determined by the Commission following final disposition of the Application are subject to refund/recovery, with interest at the average prime rate of FortisBC Energy Inc.’s principal bank for its most recent year.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 26th day of February 2015.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
K. A. Keilty
Panel Chair/Commissioner