March 18, 2020
Sent via email Letter L-10-20
To: Independent Licensed Gas Marketers
Re: COVID-19 – Direction from the British Columbia Utilities Commission
Under Section 71.1(1) of the Utilities Commission Act (UCA), a person who is not a public utility and who performs a gas marketing activity for low-volume consumers is required to hold a Gas Marketer Licence issued by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC). As you are aware, all current gas marketing licenses state:
The BCUC may, at any time and without prior notice amend or impose new terms and conditions on, suspend or cancel the Gas Marketer Licence for reasons the BCUC, in its sole discretion, considers sufficient;
The global pandemic COVID-19 is moving quickly and its impact on British Columbians is growing. Accordingly, in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic and the state of emergency declared in British Columbia, the BCUC directs all Gas Marketers to immediately cease door to door sales and marketing activities until further notice or order from the BCUC.
As the situation continues to evolve, we are monitoring closely and ensuring regulated public utilities and independent gas marketers align with the guidance provided by provincial public health and government organizations.
Sincerely,
Original signed by:
Patrick Wruck
Commission Secretary
KN/jo
cc: FortisBC Energy Inc.