ORDER NUMBER
G-115-25
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
FortisBC Inc.
Complaint Regarding FortisBC Inc.’s Public Safety Power Shutoff Policy
BEFORE:
M. Jaccard, Commissioner
on May 12, 2025
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On May 7, 2025, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) received a complaint filed by the Town of Princeton (Princeton) regarding FortisBC Inc.’s (FBC) announcement that it would introduce a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) policy (Complaint);
B. On April 30, 2025, FBC issued a media release regarding the introduction of its PSPS policy, which FBC describes as a precautionary measure where electricity is shut off proactively in selected areas in advance of extreme weather to reduce potential ignition sources;
C. Per Section 10.2.1 of the Terms and Conditions set out in FBC’s Electric Tariff (Electric Tariff) for Service in the West Kootenay and Okanagan Areas, FBC may suspend service of electricity whenever necessary to safeguard life or property, or for the purpose of making repairs on or improvements to any of its apparatus, equipment or work;
D. In its Complaint, Princeton states that FBC’s PSPS policy has consequences for the town, including but not limited to, impacting the local economy, hindering local residents’ access to basic necessities, and forcing the evacuation of high-risk individuals reliant on electrical service for medical equipment;
E. Princeton requests the BCUC to conduct a review of FBC’s PSPS policy for its compliance with the Utilities Commission Act; and
F. The BCUC has reviewed the Complaint and finds the following determination is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE the BCUC orders as follows:
1. FBC is directed to suspend the implementation of its PSPS policy pending BCUC review of the PSPS policy.
2. Section 10.2.1 of the Electric Tariff remains in effect notwithstanding Directive 1 of this order.
3. FBC is directed to file its PSPS policy with the BCUC no later than Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 12th day of May 2025.
BY ORDER
Electronically signed by Mark Jaccard
M. Jaccard
Commissioner