The commissioners who approve or deny applications by FortisBC are like “judges” who must weigh all of the evidence.

So says Kristine Bienert, acting director of customer relations for the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC).

Bienert said there are currently 10 commissioners on the board. These commissioners are appointed (for two-year terms) by the provincial government based on their qualifications and skill sets.

Bienert said commissioners are like judges, who are independent of government. In fact, they share similar authority to law court judges who cannot be terminated or reprimanded for their decisions.

When an application comes before the board, a special panel of typically three commissioners is appointed to review it, Bienert explained. This panel must consider all of the evidence, including what is presented by FortisBC and other parties, such as unions, lawyers, environmental groups and individual ratepayers.

Bienert said the panel must be “fair and reasonable” in its decision. In this case, the rate increase must be “just” and not unreasonable.

But many ratepayers have found past increases to be unreasonable, resulting in financial hardship.

Bienert acknowledged this, however, she stated that the commission doesn’t just take into account the impact on ratepayers. She said FortisBC needs funding in order to sustain its operations and provide safe and reliable service.

FortisBC’s latest application is for a multi-year (2014-2018) rate plan, starting with a 3.3 per cent increase in the new year.

Bienert said the best way that people can have their say is through the commission’s website at www.bcuc.com. There, they can click various links to register as an interested party or write a “letter of comment.”

Bienert said there are currently 55 letters of comment on the website. She pointed out that letters are only as good as the content. For example, if someone writes that he simply doesn’t like the proposed increase, that comment may not hold as much weight as another comment that gives reasons.

Remember, decisions are based on the quality of the evidence.

Bienert said there can be a reconsideration of the panel’s decision, but this only happens when a “flaw” in the process has been identified.