ORDER NUMBER
G-311-20
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
Big White Gas Utility Ltd.
Application to Amend Rates
BEFORE:
A. K. Fung, QC, Panel Chair
B. A. Magnan, Commissioner
on December 3, 2020
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On November 10, 2020, Big White Gas Utility Ltd. (BWGU) filed its fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2026 revenue requirements application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) requesting approval, effective June 1, 2021, for the following amendments to its tariff:
1. New terms and conditions imported, with amendments, from the Propane Supply Agreement;
2. Provisions for collecting development cost charges on specified properties, added to the tariff;
3. The minimum charge (currently applicable only in cases where this charge exceeds the level of the consumption charge for that period) changed to a basic charge, applicable each month in addition to the consumption charge;
4. A one-cent per litre increase to the consumption charge, to $0.13 per litre;
5. All mark-ups over cost in the Special Rate Schedule standardized to 15 percent; and
6. Various “housekeeping” amendments for clarity and consistency (collectively, the Application);
B. By Order G-297-20 dated November 24, 2020, the BCUC ordered a regulatory timetable for the review of the Application and directed, among other things, BWGU to provide public notice of the Application, including on its Twitter and Facebook social media platforms (directive 4);
C. By letter dated December 2, 2020, BWGU provided, among other things, confirmation that it had complied with the public notice directives set out in Order G-297-20 with the exception of directive 4 because it does not have Twitter, Facebook, or other social media accounts, nor does it have the staff capability to create and maintain such accounts. As such, BWGU sought relief from this directive; and
D. The BCUC has reviewed BWGU’s request for relief from directive 4 of Order G-297-20 and determines that relief is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE the BCUC orders directive 4 of Order G-297-20 be rescinded.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 3rd day of December 2020.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
A. K. Fung, QC
Commissioner