IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473
and
Pacific Northern Gas Ltd.
Application
for Reconsideration of Order G-104-15A
No Changes to 2015 Delivery Rates and
Changes to the 2015 Revenue Stabilization Adjustment Mechanism Rider
for the PNG-West Service Area
BEFORE: C. A. Brown, Commissioner/Panel Chair
K. A. Keilty, Commissioner August 7, 2015
D. M. Morton, Commissioner
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. On November 28, 2014, Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. (PNG) filed with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission), pursuant to sections 59 to 61, 89 and 90 of the Utilities Commission Act (UCA), an Application for No Changes to 2015 Delivery Rates and Changes to the 2015 Revenue Stabilization Adjustment Mechanism (RSAM) Rider (Original Application);
B. On March 9, 2015, PNG filed an amended application (Application) that included an increase in the forecast revenue deficiency to $175,000, up from $117,000 in the Original Application;
C. On June 18, 2015, the Commission issued Order G-104-15A and attached reasons for decision that included determinations with respect to the 2015 delivery rates, the annualized 2015 RSAM rider and changes to the deferral accounts as set forth in the Application;
D. By letter dated June 23, 2015, PNG filed a Request for Reconsideration and Variance of Commission Order G‑104‑15A contending that the Commission Panel made an error in fact, and requested a variance to section 6(a) of the Order (Reconsideration Application). Section 6(a) of the Order directed PNG to revise the demand forecast for the residential use per account by using the previous forecast methodology, reducing the revenue deficiency by $42,000;
E. By letter dated June 25, 2015, the Commission established Phase One of the reconsideration process wherein it requested, among other things, comments from interveners on whether there should be reconsideration based on the Commission Phase I Reconsideration Criteria followed by a response from PNG. Parties using the rationale that the Commission made an error in fact or law were requested to provide support that the claim of an error is substantiated on a prima facie basis and the error has significant material implications;
F. On June 30, 2015, British Columbia Old Age Pensioners’ Organization et al. (BCOAPO) filed comments on the Reconsideration Application;
G. On July 3, 2015, PNG submitted a response to the BCOAPO comments;
H. On July 21, 2015, the Commission issued Order G-121-15 and attached reasons for decision approving PNG’s application for reconsideration of Order G-104-15A to proceed to Phase Two of the reconsideration process;
I. On July 28, 2015, PNG submitted a letter requesting Commission approval to withdraw the Reconsideration Application. PNG states that “it has no interest in prolonging the current process” and does not believe that the additional time and costs would be in the interest of its ratepayers; and
J. The Commission has reviewed PNG’s July 28, 2015 letter, and considers that approval to withdraw the Reconsideration Application is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 88.1 of the Utilities Commission Act, the Commission orders that Pacific Northern Gas Ltd.’s application for reconsideration of Order G-104-15A is dismissed.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, In the Province of British Columbia, this 7th day of August 2015.
BY ORDER
Original Signed By:
C. A. Brown
Commissioner/Panel Chair