ORDER NUMBER
G-113-16
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
FortisBC Alternative Energy Services Inc.
Compliance filing pursuant to Order G-53-16
Request for Extension to the Filing Date
BEFORE:
D. M. Morton, Commissioner
D. J. Enns, Commissioner
W. M. Everett, Commissioner
H. G. Harowitz, Commissioner
R. I. Mason, Commissioner
R. D. Revel, Commissioner
on July 14, 2016
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On June 30, 2016, FortisBC Alternative Energy Services Inc. (FAES) filed with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission) a request for extension to the filing date of the estimate of the Delta School District (DSD) deferral account balance as of July 1, 2016, and the forecast cost of service rate for the contract year starting on July 1, 2016 (collectively the Reporting Items). This request for extension would modify the reporting date from July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 (Extension Request);
B. On November 28, 2011, FortisBC Energy Inc. applied to the Commission for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to construct and operate an energy system to provide thermal energy to DSD. The application sought, among other things, the approval of rates and the rate design contained within the Energy System Rate Development Agreement;
C. On March 9, 2012, the Commission approved the provision of thermal energy service to the DSD, subject to proof of assignment to FAES, in Order G-31-12 and the accompanying decision. Proof of assignment was filed and on March 16, 2012, and the Commission issued Order C-3-12 granting a CPCN to FAES. The Commission also approved the annual rate setting mechanism proposed whereby FAES must file a revenue requirements application, including the Reporting Items, for the upcoming contract year, which runs from July 1 through June 30;
D. On March 31, 2016, FAES filed an application and, amongst other things, proposed to file the Reporting Items with the Commission on an annual basis for information purposes only;
E. On April 26, 2016, Commission Order G-53-16 approved FAES’ proposal to file the Reporting Items on July 1 each year, commencing July 1, 2016;
F. FAES submits the Extension Request would allow FAES and DSD sufficient time to review in detail the results of the actual balances for the DSD deferral account for the 2015/2016 contract year that will be available in July 2016; and
G. The Commission reviewed the Extension Request and has determined the change of reporting date, by variance of Order G-53-16, is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 99 of the Utilities Commission Act, the British Columbia Utilities Commission orders as follows:
1. FortisBC Alternative Energy Services Inc.’s request for an extension of the filing date of the estimate of the Delta School District deferral account balance as of July 1, 2016, and the forecast cost of service rate for the contract year starting on July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016, is approved.
2. FortisBC Alternative Energy Services Inc. must provide the Commission with a proposal for future filings of the Reporting Items by September 30, 2016.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 15th day of July 2016.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
D. M. Morton
Commissioner