BCUC establishes Public Review Process for BC Hydro’s Fiscal 2020–2021 Rate Application

The head office of BC Hydro in downtown Vancouver. — Photo courtesy BC Hydro

On February 25, 2019, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) filed its Fiscal 2020 to Fiscal 2021 Revenue Requirements Application (Rate Application) seeking a reduction of the Deferral Account Rate Rider (DARR) from 5 to 0 percent, and a rate increase of 6.85%, resulting in an average net bill increase of 1.76% beginning April 1, 2019, as well as a 0.72% rate increase beginning April 1, 2020.

By Order G-45-19, the BCUC has established a public proceeding that includes an opportunity for public comment and participation.

There are a number of ways to participate in the review process, outlined below.

• Request intervener status by Thursday, March 21, 2019: Persons who are directly or sufficiently affected by the BCUC’s decision or have relevant information or expertise, and who wish to actively participate in the proceeding, can request intervener status by submitting a completed Request to Intervene Form online.
• Submit a letter of comment: Members of the public can submit a letter of comment online. Letters of comment are intended to provide for any member of the public to contribute views, opinions, and impact or potential impact, with respect to a matter before the BCUC, to the public record.
• Register as an interested party: Interested parties can register online to receive updates on the proceeding.
• Attend the BC Hydro Workshop: A BC Hydro led workshop will be held on Friday, March 15, 2019, commencing at 9:00 a.m. in the BCUC Hearing Room on the 12th Floor at 1125 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC. Parties who wish to attend must register with BC Hydro at [email protected] before 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
• Attend the Procedural Conference: A procedural conference will be held on Monday, June 24, 2019, commencing at 9:00 a.m. in the BCUC Hearing Room on the 12th Floor at 1125 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, to determine any further necessary process. Parties who wish to attend must register with the Commission Secretary by email to [email protected] no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2019.
• Community Input Sessions: The BCUC will host a series of Community Input Sessions around the province. Details such as dates and locations will be published by the BCUC at a later date.

For more information on this application, please see the BC Hydro application here.

Per BC Hydro’s request, the BCUC Panel has approved an interim rate increase of 6.85% effective April 1, 2019 as well as the DARR reduction from 5 to 0 percent. Any difference between approved interim rates and permanent rates will be refunded or adjusted with interest from BC Hydro customers at the time that the Panel makes its final decision on the application.

About the BCUC

The BCUC is a regulatory agency responsible for the oversight of energy utilities and compulsory auto insurance in British Columbia. It is the BCUC’s role to balance the interests of customers with the interests of the businesses it regulates. The BCUC carries out fair and transparent reviews of matters within its jurisdiction and considers public input where public interest is impacted.