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By Pete McIntyre

3.47 per cent hike

Fortis power rates to rise in new year

Dec 20, 2021 | 3:12 PM

Residents who get their electricity from FortisBC will be paying more early in the new year.

The company has received approval from the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) for its 2022 electricity rates, which will result in a 3.47 per cent general rate increase for its customers, effective January 1, 2022. As a result, a residential customer with an average use of 1,100 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month would see their bills increase by about $5.36 per month.

Fortis provides power to parts of the Southern Interior region, while others are serviced by BC Hydro.

“We strive to operate efficiently and keep rates as low as possible while still making the necessary system improvements and long-term investments that ensure our customers will always have the power they need when they need it,” said Diane Roy, vice-president of Regulatory Affairs with FortisBC. “B.C.’s hydroelectricity is a key enabler of the province’s CleanBC Roadmap, and maintaining and improving our electric system helps make this possible.”

As a regulated, privately-owned utility, FortisBC applies to the BCUC each year to set rates for the following year. This annual review and approval process ensures electric rates reflect the actual cost of providing safe, reliable service, from generating and purchasing the power through to maintaining and improving the electricity grid that delivers energy to homes and businesses.

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“These new rates reflect what FortisBC must charge to execute on its plans for 2022 and maintain the system effectively for its customers,” Roy explained. “This includes the ongoing investments the company is making to sustain its pole structures, power lines and equipment, as well as work on multi-year upgrade projects to its hydroelectric generating and transmission facilities.”

Fortis said 2022 is also the final year of the gradual phase-out of the two-tier residential electricity rates which will be transitioned to a single rate as of 2023. Customers needing support with their bills are encouraged to get in touch with FortisBC for tailored solutions to suit their unique needs.

For more information about current rates and how rates are set, visit fortisbc.com/electricrates.