ORDER NUMBER
G-141-16
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
FortisBC Energy Inc.
Application to Extend the Gas Supply Mitigation Incentive Program
For the Period November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2019
BEFORE:
D. J. Enns, Commissioner
on August 29, 2016
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On May 6, 2016, FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) filed an application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission) seeking approval for an extension of the Gas Supply Mitigation Incentive Program (GSMIP) for a three year term for the period November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2019 (Application);
B. By Order G-163-11 dated September 22, 2011, the Commission approved the FEI GSMIP for the November 1, 2011 to October 31, 2013 period;
C. By Order G-174-13 dated October 24, 2013, the Commission pursuant to section 63 of the Utilities Commission Act approved extending the FEI GSMIP for a three year term for the period November 1, 2013 to October 31, 2016, among other matters;
D. In the Application, FEI proposes continuing the existing GSMIP model and Term Sheet with the following revisions to be effective November 1, 2016:
(a) Revise the fixed adjustment amount from $165,000 to $200,000, and
(b) Revise the Section K, Reporting Requirements, of the Term Sheet as proposed in the Application to remove the variance threshold to trigger a review during the extension period;
E. By Order G-111-16, the Commission established a process to written comments from stakeholders on the Application;
F. On August 2, 2016, the British Columbia Old Age Pensioners’ Organization et al. (BCOAPO) submitted a letter of comment. BCOAPO supports FEI’s proposals but submitted that stakeholders should have the ability to request a review if they have questions or concerns regarding any of FEI’s semi-annual GSMIP reports;
G. On August 8, 2016, FEI noted BCOAPO’s support of the Application and submitted that no further regulatory process is necessary for the review of the Application;
H. The Commission reviewed the Application including the submissions made by the parties.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 63 of the Utilities Commission Act, the British Columbia Utilities Commission orders as follows:
1. The Gas Supply Mitigation Incentive Program (GSMIP) extension proposed by FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) is approved for a three year term for the period November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2019 (2016-2019 GSMIP), subject to the terms set out in this Order.
2. FEI is directed to notify stakeholders when GSMIP reports are filed with the Commission to keep stakeholders informed and revise the 2016-2019 GSMIP Term Sheet accordingly.
3. FEI must file within 30 days of the date of this Order a revised 2016-2019 GSMIP Term Sheet that reflects the terms set out in Directive 2 of this Order for Commission acceptance.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 29th day of August 2016.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
D. J. Enns
Commissioner