ORDER NUMBER
F-33-23
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
Application for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Bridge River Projects
Interim Participant Assistance/Cost Award Application
BEFORE:
R. I. Mason, Panel Chair
C. M. Brewer, Commissioner
A. C. Dennier, Commissioner
on August 21, 2023
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On July 23, 2021, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) filed an application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the Bridge River 1 Units 1 to 4 Generator Replacement Project (BR1 Project) and a CPCN for the Bridge River Transmission Project (BRT Project) (together, Application);
B. On September 28, 2021, the Residential Consumer Intervener Association (RCIA) requested to intervene in the BC Hydro Bridge River CPCN proceeding;
C. On March 8, 2023, RCIA filed an application for interim Participant Assistance / Cost Award (PACA) funding. On May 5, 2023, RCIA filed an amended interim PACA application (Amended Interim PACA Application). The RCIA seeks $47,386.50 in interim PACA funding;
D. By letters dated April 18, 2023, May 17, 2023, and August 16, 2023, BC Hydro provided its comments on the Amended Interim PACA Application, stating in BC Hydro’s view, RCIA has participated in the proceeding and contributed to a better understanding by the BCUC of the issues in the proceeding. BC Hydro states it has no objection to RCIA receiving the funding requested; and
E. The BCUC has reviewed the Amended Interim PACA Application in accordance with the criteria and rates set out in the PACA Guidelines, attached to Order G-97-17, and determines that an interim cost award should be granted as an advance against the BCUC’s final cost award determination.
NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to section 118(1) of the Utilities Commission Act, the BCUC orders as follows:
1. Interim funding in the listed amount is awarded to RCIA as an advance against the BCUC’s final cost award for participation in the BC Hydro Bridge River CPCN proceeding:
Participant |
Award |
RCIA |
$47,386.50 |
2. BC Hydro is directed to reimburse RCIA for the awarded amount in a timely manner.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 21st day of August 2023.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
R. I. Mason
Commissioner