Orders

ORDER NUMBER

F-16-24

 

IN THE MATTER OF

the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473

 

and

 

British Columbia Utilities Commission

Review of Thermal Energy Systems Regulatory Framework Guidelines

Phase 1 Final Participant Assistance/Cost Award Application

 

BEFORE:

T. A. Loski, Panel Chair

 

on February 29, 2024

 

ORDER

WHEREAS:

 

A.      On December 20, 2019, by Order G-341-19, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) established a written public hearing for the review of a proposed regulatory framework for Thermal Energy Systems (TES Review);

B.      The following parties registered as interveners in the proceeding: British Columbia Old Age Pensioners’ Organization et al. (BCOAPO); British Columbia Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA); City of Abbotsford; Condominium Home Owners Association - British Columbia; Corix Multi-Utility Services Inc.; Creative Energy Vancouver Platforms Inc.; Fink Machine Inc.; FortisBC Alternative Energy Services; FortisBC Energy Inc.; FVB Energy Inc; Movement Of United Professionals (MoveUp); Onni Group; River District Energy; Residential Consumer Intervener Association (RCIA); SSL-Sustainable Service Ltd;

C.      By letter dated October 13, 2023, the BCUC requested submissions regarding eligibility for and appropriate limits on Participant Assistance Cost Awards (PACA);

D.      By letter dated December 21, 2023, the BCUC issued a report seeking the approval of the Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation to issue orders under section 88(3) granting exemptions based on the report;

E.       The following interveners filed Participant Assistance/Cost Award (PACA) applications with the BCUC with respect to their participation in the proceeding; and

 

F.       The BCUC has reviewed the PACA applications in accordance with the criteria and rates set out in the PACA Guidelines attached to BCUC Order G-97-17, and concludes that the cost awards should be approved.

 

NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 118(1) of the Utilities Commission Act, the BCUC orders as follows:

 

1.       Funding is awarded to the following interveners in the listed amounts for their participation in the TES Review proceeding:

 

2.       The BCUC is directed to reimburse the above-noted interveners for the awarded amount in a timely manner.

 

DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this        29^th        day of February 2024.

 

BY ORDER

 

Original signed by:

 

T. A. Loski

Commissioner