By Times Chronicle Staff
FortisBC electricity customers will welcome in the New Year with a 3.63 per cent general rate increase as of January 1, 2026.
For an average residential customer who uses about 825 kilowatt hours of electricity per month, this will be around $5.35 more on their monthly bill.
This rate change was reviewed and approved by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC), which also earlier approved an overall increase to gas rates of about 11.1 per cent, or around $10.95 more per month based on a monthly consumption of about 7.5 gigajoules (GJ).
“We know energy costs matter to our customers, and we’re here to help,” said Michelle Carman, vice-president of customer service and external communications. “Our team is here to provide customers with tips, tools and support, answer any questions about their bill and advise on ways to reduce their energy use.”
As a regulated utility, FortisBC applies to the BCUC each year to set electricity rates for the following year. The power provider justified the hike by saying it “ensures electricity rates reflect the cost of providing safe, reliable service, from generating and purchasing power through to maintaining and improving the electricity grid that delivers energy to homes and businesses.”
A significant driver of the rate change in 2026 is the increased cost of purchasing electricity. In addition to generating power from its four hydroelectric generating facilities, FortisBC purchases a portion of its requirements through long-term contracts with BC Hydro and other producers, and from the wholesale market.
FortisBC said that to offset costs it continually monitors where it sources its power based on price and what’s required to meet customers’ needs, and sells any excess power it has generated back to the market.
FortisBC’s customer service team can answer billing questions, share energy savings tips and offer payment plan options that fit individual needs. Customers can reach out by phone at 1-866-436-7847, by email at [email protected] or through chat on FortisBC’s website.
For more information about electricity rates, visit fortisbc.com/electricityrates. For more information on rebates, saving energy and ways to help lower power bills, visit fortisbc.com/saveenergy.
