ORDER NUMBER
G-166-25
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
Public Electric Vehicle Charging Service Rates Pilot
BEFORE:
W. E. Royle, Commissioner
on July 3, 2025
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On June 13, 2025, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) filed an application for a public electric vehicle (EV) charging rates pilot (Application) in accordance with the expedited review framework approved by Order G-275-24;
B. By Decision and Order G-67-24 dated March 13, 2024, among other matters, the BCUC approved energy-based rates for BC Hydro’s public EV charging service. The approved energy-based rates were designed to fully recover BC Hydro’s forecast cost of providing its public EV charging service on a 10-year levelized basis and included a marketing budget of $6.5 million over 10 years to allow BC Hydro to explore and test pricing alternatives in a timely manner in response to changes in market conditions;
C. By Decision and Order G-275-24 dated October 28, 2024, the BCUC approved BC Hydro’s expedited review framework proposal for EV charging pilot projects, which included the EV Charging Pilot Project Application Form and Evaluation Report Form that were filed as part of that proceeding. The BCUC also directed that commercially sensitive information to be provided in the redacted sections of these forms regarding EV charging pilot projects will be kept confidential, until the BCUC determines otherwise;
D. In its Application, BC Hydro proposes to offer temporary discounts for one month at selected BC Hydro public charging sites (Pilot), beginning within six weeks following BCUC approval. BC Hydro states that the Pilot is intended to test the effectiveness of temporary discounts to increase customer awareness and use of BC Hydro public charging sites;
E. BC Hydro estimates that the Pilot will cost approximately $19,000 to $21,000, which will be funded from the marketing budget;
F. The BCUC has reviewed the Application and considers that approval of the Pilot is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to sections 59 to 61 of the Utilities Commission Act, the BCUC orders as follows:
1. The proposed Pilot to offer temporary discounts at selected BC Hydro public charging sites is approved, as set out in the Application. BC Hydro is directed to commence the Pilot by no later than August 15, 2025.
2. BC Hydro is directed file an Evaluation Report Form regarding the Pilot by February 27, 2026.
3. Consistent with the framework approved by Order G-275-24, redacted sections of the EV Charging Pilot Project Application Form regarding the Pilot will be kept confidential, until the BCUC determines otherwise.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 3rd day of July 2025.
BY ORDER
Electronically signed by Wendy Royle
W. E. Royle
Commissioner