IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473
and
Plateau Pipe Line Ltd.
Application for Approval of the Northeast BC Pipeline Toll Revisions
BEFORE: L. F. Kelsey, Commissioner
H. G. Harowitz, Commissioner October 22, 2015
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. On October 13, 2015, Plateau Pipe Line Ltd. (Plateau, or Company) applied to the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission) for approval of revised tariffs for the Northeast BC Pipeline, comprised of the BC Light and Boundary Lake Pipelines and the Blueberry Pipeline (the Application). The Application requests approval to increase the existing, approved BC Light and Boundary Lake Pipelines’ tolls by 30 percent except for Taylor Terminal which will be increased from $4.50/m3 to $6.00/m3, effective January 1, 2016 and to increase approved Blueberry Pipeline tolls from $12.19/m3 to $18.00/m3, effective November 1, 2015;
B. The proposed toll increase for the BC Light and Boundary Lake Pipelines are a result of declining volumes and increasing geotechnical costs. The proposed toll increase for the Blueberry Pipeline is a result of geotechnical costs including the 8-inch Blueberry Mainline dig program. With the requested toll increases, Plateau forecasts an under-collection of 2016 fiscal revenue requirements for the Blueberry Pipeline of $9.0 million and $2.2 million for the BC Light and Boundary Lake Pipelines;
C. Plateau will continue to monitor volumes and the planned spend profile to help determine if further toll adjustments are required; and
D. The Commission reviewed the Application and determines that approval is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 65 of the Utilities Commission Act, the British Columbia Utilities Commission orders as follows:
1. The requested BC Light and Boundary Lake Pipelines’ tolls increase of 30 percent over existing, approved tolls except for Taylor Terminal which will be increased to $6.00/m3, is approved, effective January 1, 2016.
2. The requested Blueberry Pipeline toll increase to $18.00/m3 is approved, effective November 1, 2015.
3. Plateau Pipe Line Ltd. must provide a copy of this order to all shippers on the BC Light, Boundary Lake and Blueberry Pipelines.
4. The approved tolls are subject to review by the Commission in the event of a complaint by one or more shippers on the Northeast BC Pipeline within 60 days of this order. If a complaint is received by the Commission after 60 days of this order, any adjustment in tolls will be on a prospective basis.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 28th day of October 2015.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
L. F. Kelsey
Commissioner