Kelowna, BC – August 28, 2009: The British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) has
approved a rate increase of 2.2 per cent to FortisBC’s electricity rates effective September 1, 2009. This is a direct result of BC Hydro’s recent rate increase, which has increased FortisBC’s cost to purchase power from BC Hydro by 2.34 per cent for 2008/2009, and 8.74 per cent for 2009/2010.
“Under long-term contract with BC Hydro, FortisBC purchases about $38.4 million worth of power from BC Hydro annually,” said John Walker, President & CEO of FortisBC. “The BC Utilities Commission’s decision is for a flow-through of expenses, and simply allows us to recover the additional $1.68 million expense we will incur during 2009 as a result of the BC Hydro rate
increase.”
As a result of this cost flow-through to FortisBC customers, an average residential customer using approximately 1000 kWh per month may see an increase of about $1.90 per month.
FortisBC offers programs and services to help customers manage their electrical bills by reducing power consumption. The FortisBC PowerSense program, which is celebrating its 20th year,
provides customers both financial incentives and helpful advice on energy efficient technologies
and practices that can reduce electrical bills. Information on FortisBC energy efficiency programs is
available at www.fortisbc.com.
For more information call FortisBC’s toll free number at 1-866-4FORTIS (1-866-436-7847) or visit
the website at www.fortisbc.com. The full BCUC decision is also available at www.bcuc.com.
About FortisBC Inc.
FortisBC Inc. is an integrated regulated electric utility based in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Focused on the safe delivery of reliable and cost-effective electricity, FortisBC serves
approximately 158,000 customers directly and indirectly through wholesale utilities in the
southern interior of B.C. FortisBC owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating
plants and approximately 7,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines.
FortisBC employs over 500 people in British Columbia and is an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. 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 .
For further information contact:
Jodie Foster Sexsmith
Communications and Media Relations Advisor
FortisBC Inc.
Tel: (250) 469-8007, Media Tel: (250) 718-1718
www.fortisbc.com
