ORDER NUMBER
G-181-24
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
Creative Energy Vancouver Platforms Inc.
Low Carbon Rates Extension Request Variance to Order C-5-22
BEFORE:
B. A. Magnan, Panel Chair
W. E. Royle, Commissioner
on July 8, 2024
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. By letter dated June 24, 2024, Creative Energy Vancouver Platforms Inc. (Creative Energy) requests that the filing date to file a low carbon energy rate design application for the Core Steam System Decarbonization Project (Project) related to British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) Order C-5-22, be amended from July 15, 2024 to August 9, 2024 as additional time is required for consultation (Application);
B. By Order C-5-22 dated September 15, 2022, the BCUC granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the Project, pursuant to sections 44.2, 45 and 46 of the Utilities Commission Act (UCA). Among other things, the order directs Creative Energy to file a low carbon energy rate design application that addresses different customers’ needs by June 30, 2023 (Low Carbon Rate Design Application);
C. On June 21, 2023, Creative Energy requested that the filing date for the Low Carbon Rate Design Application be amended from June 30, 2023, to December 31, 2023, to allow for further review of the rate design and associated terms and conditions, and to complete additional analysis and consultation with stakeholders.
By Order G-172-23 dated June 29, 2023, the BCUC varied the filing date to December 31, 2023, and directed Creative Energy to file an update regarding the status of the Low Carbon Rate Design Application, including progress on stakeholder consultation, by September 30, 2023;
D. On September 28, 2023, in compliance with Order G-172-23, Creative Energy filed an update on the status of the Low Carbon Rate Design Application, which stated that Creative Energy continues to advance the analysis supporting its application and is on track to file the application by December 2023;
E. On December 21, 2023, Creative Energy requested that the filing date for the Low Carbon Rate Design Application be amended from December 31, 2023, to March 31, 2024, to finalize updates to draft terms and conditions, complete discussions with their assurance provider to develop the necessary processes to verify emissions and provide customers with the necessary assurance for compliance with the City of Vancouver, and allow for consultation with the City of Vancouver and stakeholders. By Order G-2-24 dated January 5, 2024, the BCUC varied the filing date to March 31, 2024;
F. On March 18, 2024, Creative Energy requested that the filing date for the Low Carbon Rate Design Application be amended from March 31, 2024 to July 15, 2024, as it progresses the analysis and consultation with customers and other stakeholders. By Order G-86-24 dated March 25, 2024, the BCUC varied the filing date to July 15, 2024; and
G. The BCUC has reviewed the Application and determines that an amendment to the filing deadline of the Low Carbon Rate Design Application is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 99 of the UCA, the BCUC orders as follows:
The directive on page 45 of the Decision accompanying Order C-5-22 is varied as follows:
The Panel directs Creative Energy to file a rate design application that addresses different customer’s needs (for example, existing customers that opt in to a specific amount of low carbon energy, new customers that require a greater amount of low carbon energy to meet the LCES [Low Carbon Energy System] requirements established by the City of Vancouver, and customers that may opt out of any low carbon energy component to their service) by August 9, 2024. As part of that application, Creative Energy is also directed to consider the appropriateness of implementing rate transition or mitigation mechanism(s) to address the impact of the proposed rate design on customers.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 8th day of July 2024.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
B. A. Magnan
Commissioner