By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Residential gas customers are set to get hit by a price hike by FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) on January 1, 2025 with consumers expected to see an increase of around $14.25 per month based on a monthly consumption of about 7.5 gigajoules (GJ).
The power provider was quick to note that aside from the last increase in 2022, overall gas rates fell in both 2023 and 2024 for “most” customers. FortisBC charges on each bill include a basic flat fee, a delivery charge, a storage and transport charge, the cost of gas and tax.
FortisBC justified what amounts to a 17.5 per cent price hike for the average residential customer based on “making the necessary system improvements and long-term investments.”
The rate hikes were approved by the regulator – British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) – with FortisBC saying it reviews its delivery, storage and transport rates each year and its cost of gas rate each quarter with the BCUC. The rates are approved on an interim basis.
“This is done to help ensure the rates charged to customers appropriately recover the costs related to delivering energy safely and reliably. There is no markup on the cost of gas; customers pay what FortisBC pays,” it said.
“We understand that rate changes may be difficult for some of our customers, and we want to assure you that these rate adjustments are aimed at better serving your energy needs,” said Michelle Carman, vice president of customer service and external communications.
While the costs related to storing, transporting and delivering gas typically remain in place for the year, FortisBC reviews the cost of gas every quarter with the BCUC, and the next review will be in March 2025.
It added that 2025 rates include investments in a number of approved and completed projects needed to support the safe and reliable delivery of energy, including the Inland Gas Upgrades, Gibsons Capacity Upgrade, Coastal Transmission System Transmission Integrity Management Capabilities and the Pattullo Gas Line Replacement projects.
The changes to FortisBC’s rates also reflect a shift back to historical cost levels for storage and transport, the increasing blend of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) to help reduce carbon emissions, and necessary investments in maintenance and upgrades that ensure the safety and reliability of the gas system that delivers energy to customers.
The power provider noted that any customers with questions can reach out for more information, answer billing questions and offer personalized solutions.
