ORDER NUMBER
G-257-19
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
Pacific Northern Gas Ltd.
Application
for Approval of Franchise Agreements Renewed by Notice of Renewal
Issued in Fall 2010 and Spring 2011
BEFORE:
R. I. Mason, Panel Chair
W. M. Everett, QC, Commissioner
T. A. Loski, Commissioner
on October 24, 2019
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On February 19, 2019, Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. (PNG) applied to the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) for approval of franchise agreements renewed by notice of renewal in 2010 and 2011, between PNG and the District of Port Edward; the Town of Smithers; the District of Kitimat; the Village of Burns Lake; the District of Houston; the City of Terrace; and the District of Vanderhoof (the Municipalities);
B. The original agreements between PNG and the Municipalities were
accepted by the BCUC through Orders
C-3-89 and C5-90 through C-10-90, and expired between 2010 and 2011;
C. PNG sent notice of renewal to each of the seven Municipalities in between Fall 2010 and Spring 2011, but did not seek BCUC approval of the renewal notices at that time;
D. By Order G-139-19, dated June 24, 2019, the BCUC established a public hearing process providing for public notice and intervener registration for PNG customers in the Municipalities. No applications to intervene were received by the registration deadline of July 26, 2019;
E. By Order G-184-19, dated August 2, 2019, the BCUC issued an updated timetable providing for one round of information requests (IRs);
F. On September 19, 2019 the BCUC submitted IRs to PNG, and on October 3, 2019 PNG submitted its responses; and
G. The Panel has reviewed the evidence and considers the following determinations are warranted.
NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to section 23(1)(g) of the Utilities Commission Act the BCUC orders as follows:
1. The renewal of the franchise agreement between PNG and the District of Port Edward is approved for a further term of 21 years, expiring on October 4, 2031.
2. The renewal of the franchise agreements between PNG and the following municipalities are approved for further terms of 21 years, expiring on May 23, 2032:
a. the Town of Smithers;
b. the District of Kitimat;
c. the Village of Burns Lake;
d. the District of Houston;
e. the City of Terrace; and
f. the District of Vanderhoof.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 24th day of October 2019.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
R. I. Mason
Commissioner