Electricity rates to go up next week
By Castlegar Source
Electricity rates are set to increase next month, according to a press release issued by FortisBC this afternoon.The release reads as follows:
FortisBC has completed its annual rates review with the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) and has received approval from the BCUC for a 1.6 per cent increase effective August 1, 2015.
The increase is necessary to make upgrades and improvements to the electrical system and to purchase added capacity for the system. Capacity is needed to provide customers with electricity during peak times of the day and year.
FortisBC’s electricity rates are among the lowest rates in North America, and the company is continually working to keep rates as low as possible. This includes finding efficiencies and productivity improvements internally.
“We understand that our customers are concerned with the cost of electricity, as it touches everyone’s daily lives,” said Roger Dall’Antonia, executive vice president, customer service and regulatory affairs. “We continue to work internally to find efficiencies and make sure that we deliver safe and reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost.”
The BCUC’s rate review also makes permanent the 3.5 per cent interim rate effective January 1, 2015.
Customers interested in learning more about the BC Utilities Commission and annual rates review process can find more information at www.bcuc.com. If customers would like to learn more about FortisBC electricity rates or ways to save energy, please visit www.fortisbc.com.
FortisBC is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, electricity and propane. FortisBC employs more than 2,200 British Columbians and serves approximately 1.1 million customers in 135 B.C. communities. FortisBC owns and operates two liquefied natural gas storage facilities and four regulated hydroelectric generating plants, approximately 7,150 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines, and approximately 46,000 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Inc. and FortisBC Energy Inc. do business as FortisBC. FortisBC is indirectly, wholly owned by Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American electric and gas utility business. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.
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