FortisBC general rate increased by 3.47%

NORTHERN BC- FortisBC customers will be paying more for electricity come the new year. The company has received approval from the BC Utilities Commission for a 3.47% general rate increase for its customers, effective January 1. This means a residential customer with an average use of approximately 1,100 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month of electricity would see their bills increase by about $5.36 per month.

“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, Regulatory Affairs, 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.”

This change is necessary for FortisBC to maintain the system effectively for its customers. FortisBC applies to the BCUC each year to set rates for the following year. 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.