IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
Applications for Participant Assistance/Cost Awards
in the Application by FortisBC Inc. for Approval of 2015 Rates
pursuant to the Multi-Year Performance Based Ratemaking Plan
approved for 2014 through 2019 by Order G-138-14
BEFORE: D. M. Morton, Commissioner/Panel Chair
D. A. Cote, Commissioner October 6, 2015
H. G. Harowitz, Commissioner
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. On September 15, 2014, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission) issued its Decision and Order G-139-14 approving for FortisBC Inc. (FBC) a Multi-Year Performance Based Ratemaking (PBR) Plan for the years 2014 through 2019 (PBR Decision). In accordance with the PBR Decision, FBC is to conduct an Annual Review process to set rates for each year under the PBR Plan;
B. On February 6, 2015, FBC submitted an application for its Annual Review of 2015 Rates (Application);
C. Pursuant to Order G-21-15 issued on February 16, 2015, the Commission established the regulatory timetable for the review of the Application which provided for one round of information requests, a workshop to review FBC’s 2014 performance results and the 2015 revenue requirements, a response by FBC to undertakings arising from information requested at the workshop, and written final and reply submissions;
D. By Order G-107-15 dated June 23, 2015, which accompanied the decision for this Application, the Commission approved, among other things, permanent rates effective January 1, 2015, as modified by other directives in the Decision;
E. On September 8, 2015, the Commission received a Participant Assistance/Cost Award (PACA) application from Mr. Gabana which included participation in the Application as well as the FortisBC Energy Inc. 2015 Annual Review proceeding.
F. On September 29, 2015 FBC indicated that it has no comment of the PACA application and trust that the Commission will determine the appropriate compensation for Mr. Gabana’s expenses;
G. By letter dated September 30, 2015, the Commission requested clarification from Mr. Gabana on a number of items in his PACA application. Mr. Gabana provided an email response along with corrections to the applied for amounts on the same date; and
H. The Commission has reviewed the PACA application in accordance with the criteria and rates set out in the PACA Guidelines to Commission Order G-72-07 and conclude that the cost awards should be approved subject to certain cost adjustments.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 118(1) of the Utilities Commission Act, the British Columbia Utilities Commission orders as follows:
1. Reimbursement in the total amount of $705.24 is awarded to Mr. Gabana based on his participation in the FortisBC Inc. application only. The cost award has been adjusted downwards by the appropriate amount for meals and mileage claimed.
2. FortisBC Inc. is directed to reimburse Mr. Gabana for the amount of $705.24 in a timely manner.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 6th day of October 2015.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
D. M. Morton
Commissioner