FortisBC receives approval from the BCUC for Advanced Gas Meters

May 17, 2023

Surrey, B.C.—May 17, 2023: FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) received approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) for its proposed Advanced Gas Meters project. Through this project, FortisBC will enhance its customers’ experience by upgrading more than one million gas meters across B.C.

With the installation of the new meters and wireless network, FortisBC gas customers will receive several benefits:

• Customers will be able to access daily data on their gas use, empowering them with the tools they need to make cost-effective energy choices for their families and businesses.
• Safety enhancements such as notifications if unusual gas flows are detected, which could indicate a faulty appliance.
• Reduced inconvenience to customers by no longer needing to shut-off gas service during meter exchanges or regularly entering customers’ properties to read meters.

Customers will be advised when these benefits are available in their area.

“We are constantly looking for ways that technology can improve our customer experience,” said Dawn Mehrer, vice president of corporate services and technology at FortisBC. "The approval of the Advanced Gas Meters project allows us to make transformational upgrades that will provide customers with long overdue tools to better support their daily energy decisions.”

The project will address the need to modernize the current gas meter technology, which has not changed in over 100 years. In addition to the direct customer benefits, the advanced meters will allow FortisBC to better monitor and manage its system and offer additional safety features such as the ability to remotely detect and respond to gas leaks, including in the event of emergencies like earthquakes and fires. The meters have undergone rigorous testing to ensure accuracy, safety and integrity and are approved for use by Measurement Canada.

“The Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC fully supports the deployment of FortisBC’s advanced gas meters. As a non-profit organization focused on fire safety across the province, we recognize these new meters will provide enhanced safety features and improved reliability to B.C. homes and businesses. We appreciate FortisBC’s ongoing commitment to safety and innovation and look forward to continuing to engage on the project,” said Dan Derby, president at Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC.

The installation of advanced gas meters is planned to start in 2024, while installation of the meters’ wireless network will take place in 2023. FortisBC will share project updates and the meter installation schedule when available.

To learn more about the Advanced Gas Meter project, and to stay up-to-date on when we’ll be in your neighbourhood, visit the project webpage at fortisbc.com/advancedgasmeters.

Backgrounder

FortisBC is working to build a more advanced gas delivery system for its more than one million customers across British Columbia. In early May 2021, FortisBC filed an application with, the British Columbia Utilities Commission to upgrade natural gas meters as part of the Advanced Gas Meter Project.

FortisBC engaged with customers and stakeholders since 2019, in the 135 communities it serves across the province where meter upgrades will take place. Engagement included: letters to stakeholders, government and Indigenous communities; province-wide media campaigns; province-wide in-person and virtual information sessions; and direct customer communications. The feedback received through engagement efforts helped FortisBC develop the Advanced Gas Meter Project application.

Old meter versus new advanced meter

Left to right: current gas meter; new advanced gas meter.

 

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