Orders

ORDER NUMBER

G-111-24

IN THE MATTER OF

the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473

and

British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority

 Request to Depart from the 2018 Capital Filing Guidelines

for the Surrey Langley SkyTrain Electrical Servicing Project

BEFORE:

A. K. Fung, KC, Panel Chair

A. C. Dennier, Commissioner

on April 15, 2024

ORDER

WHEREAS:

A.      On April 5, 2024, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) filed an application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) to request to depart from the 2018 Capital Filing Guidelines (2018 Guidelines) for the Surrey Langley Skytrain Electrical Servicing Project (Project) (Application);

B.      On December 2, 2019, by Order G-313-19, the BCUC approved the 2018 Guidelines, including BC Hydro’s commitment to submit applications for approval to the BCUC for major capital projects with authorized cost estimates above the following thresholds:

1. $100 million for Power System projects;

2. $50 million for Buildings projects; and

3. $20 million for Information Technology projects.

C.      In the Application, BC Hydro seeks approval to not file an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the Project. BC Hydro states that the expected and authorized costs for the Project exceed the $100 million threshold and that the Project is an extension. BC Hydro states it is willing to file a section 44.2 capital expenditures application with the BCUC;

D.      The BCUC has commenced its review of the Application and determines that the establishment of a public hearing and a regulatory timetable are warranted.

NOW THEREFORE the BCUC orders as follows:

1.       A public hearing is established for the review of the Application in accordance with the regulatory timetable as set out in Appendix A to this order.

2.       As soon as practicable, but no later than Wednesday, April 17, 2024, BC Hydro must publish the Public Notice, attached as Appendix B to this order, on its website and social media platforms. It must also publish weekly reminder notices on each platform until Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

3.       BC Hydro is directed to provide an electronic copy of the Application and this order on or before Wednesday, April 17, 2024, to all known affected or potentially affected parties, including, but not limited to: the City of Surrey, the City of Langley, the Township of Langley, First Nations that have been identified for consultation on the Project (Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui, Musqueam, Seabird Island, Semiahmoo, Shxw’ōwhámel, Skawahlook, Soowahlie, Stó:lō Nation, Stó:lō Tribal Council, and Tsawwassen First Nations) and registered interveners in the BC Hydro F2023-F2025 Revenue Requirements proceeding.

4.       BC Hydro is directed to provide to the BCUC, by Monday, April 22, 2024, confirmation of when the Public Notice has been posted, including a list of the platforms in which the Public Notice was posted.

5.       BC Hydro is directed to provide to the BCUC, by Monday, April 22, 2024, a list of all parties directly notified of the Application and this order, including the method and date of notification.

6.       Persons who wish to file a Letter of Comment may do so by Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this      15^th      day of April 2024.

BY ORDER

Original signed by:

A. K. Fung, KC

Commissioner

Attachment

British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority

Request to Depart from the 2018 Capital Filing Guidelines

for the Surrey Langley SkyTrain Electrical Servicing Project

BC Hydro Request to Depart from Major Project Capital Filing Guidelines

for the Surrey Langley Skytrain Electrical Servicing Project

BC Hydro’s 2018 Capital Filing Guidelines (2018 Guidelines) include BC Hydro’s commitment to file an application for a Certificate of Public Necessity and Convenience (CPCN) for power system extension projects that have an authorized cost of greater than $100 million prior to construction.

On April 5, 2024, BC Hydro requested to depart from the 2018 Guidelines and not file a CPCN application for its Surrey Langley Skytrain Electrical Servicing Project. The project costs exceed the $100 million threshold. If the request is granted, BC Hydro would not be required to submit a separate major project application to the BCUC for approval, and the project costs would be reviewed in a revenue requirement application.

Please visit the Proceeding webpage on bcuc.com under “Our Work” to learn more.

To participate in the proceeding, visit www.bcuc.com/get-involved.

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