ORDER NUMBER
G-248-23
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
FortisBC Energy Inc.
Request to Discontinue Prophet River First Nation Gas Distribution System Extension
Semi-Annual Progress Reports – Variance to Order G-48-19
BEFORE:
B. A. Magnan, Commissioner
on September 18, 2023
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. By letter dated September 5, 2023, FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) requested to discontinue the Semi-Annual reporting requirements for the Prophet River First Nation (PRFN) Gas Distribution System Extension (PRFN Extension) related to British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) Order G-48-19. FEI states they do not anticipate any project updates until the project is complete or close to complete in September 2024, when they plan to file the Final Report which, in accordance with Directive 2 of the Decision and Order, FEI must file within six months of the end or substantial completion of the PRFN Extension. FEI notes the minor construction work required and short project schedule (Application);
B. On September 4, 2018, pursuant to sections 45, 46, 59 to 61 and 89 of the Utilities Commission Act (UCA), FEI submitted to the BCUC its 2019–2020 Revenue Requirements and Rates Application for the Fort Nelson service area (FEFN), seeking, among other things, BCUC approval of delivery rates for 2019 and 2020, and a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for an extension of FEI’s distribution system in FEFN, resulting from its purchase of the gas distribution assets of the Prophet River First Nation;
C. On March 5, 2019, the BCUC issued Decision and Order G-48-19, approving FEI’s requested delivery rates for 2019 and 2020, and a CPCN for an extension of FEI’s distribution system in FEFN, resulting from its purchase of the gas distribution assets of the PRFN. In Appendix A to the Decision, the BCUC directs FEI to file semi-annual progress reports on the PRFN Extension that shows the planned versus actual schedule and costs, and any variances or difficulties that FEI may be encountering with the PRFN Extension;
D. FEI has filed Semi-Annual Reports since September 3, 2019, up to September 5, 2023; and
E. The BCUC has reviewed the Application and considers that FEI’s request to discontinue the semi-annual progress reports for the PRFN Extension is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 99 of the UCA, the BCUC orders as follows:
The directive contained in Appendix A of the Decision accompanying Order G-48-19 is varied as follows:
1. FEI is approved to discontinue its Semi-Annual Progress Reports, and thus a variance to the Directive in Appendix A of Order and Decision G-48-19, is approved, effective the date of this Order.
2. FEI must file an annual status update on the permit, and any material changes, by December 31st each year until the project is completed.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 18th day of September 2023.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
B. A. Magnan
Commissioner