ORDER NUMBER
G-41-25
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
Pacific Northern Gas (N.E.) Ltd.
Tumbler Ridge Gas Plant Rehabilitation Project Section 44.2 Expenditures
BEFORE:
E. B. Lockhart, Panel Chair
B. A. Magnan, Commissioner
on February 21, 2025
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On August 21, 2024, pursuant to section 44.2 of the Utilities Commission Act (UCA), Pacific Northern Gas (N.E.) Ltd. (PNG(NE)) filed an application (Application) with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) for acceptance of a schedule of anticipated capital expenditures for the Tumbler Ridge Gas Plant (TRGP) Rehabilitation Project (Project);
B. The Project consists of repairs to and replacement of certain equipment at the TRGP, a gas processing plant situated in PNG(NE)’s Tumbler Ridge service area, and has an estimated capital cost of $4.92 million;
C. By Order G-251-24, dated September 26, 2024, the BCUC established a written hearing process and a regulatory timetable for the review of the Project;
D. By letter dated October 18, 2024, PNG(NE) requested a temporary suspension of the proceeding to allow PNG(NE) to evaluate a new proposal for an alternate gas supply arrangement, which could significantly impact the anticipated capital expenditures;
E. By Order G-264-24, dated October 21, 2024, the BCUC adjourned the proceeding and directed PNG(NE) to provide an update by November 18, 2024;
F. By letter dated November 18, 2024, PNG(NE) requested an extension of the adjournment of the proceeding for three months to allow for additional time to explore, evaluate and finalize the proposed gas supply plan;
G. By Order G-305-24, dated November 21, 2024, the BCUC extended the adjournment of the proceeding and directed PNG(NE) to provide a further update by February 18, 2025;
H. By letter dated February 18, 2025, PNG(NE) requested approval to withdraw the Application, stating that it had not yet reached an agreement on the new gas supply proposal, and is uncertain whether an agreement can be reached in a timely manner. Therefore, PNG(NE) submits it cannot assess the prudence and commercial viability of moving forward with the Project at present; and
I. The BCUC has considered PNG(NE)’s request to withdraw the Application, and considers that the following determination is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 88.1 of the UCA, the BCUC orders that the Application is dismissed.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 21st day of February 2025.
BY ORDER
Electronically signed by Blair Lockhart
E. B. Lockhart
Commissioner