Gas resource planning

We look at trends in energy policy, market technologies, regional growth and customer demand to develop strategies that meet the energy needs of our customers and support a lower carbon energy future as we invest in renewable and lower carbon gas.¹ The Long-Term Gas Resource Plan (LTGRP) is our roadmap for securing safe, reliable and cost-effective energy resources to meet our customers’ energy needs.

The Long-Term Gas Resource Plan: 

• looks ahead 20 years to identify energy supply requirements, infrastructure needs and opportunities to manage demand
• examines the resource options available to FortisBC, including the amount of energy supply we can feasibly acquire through conservation and energy management programs
• defines objectives to assess and evaluate the available resource options to determine the best overall outcome for our customers
• provides an action plan for ensuring delivery of safe, reliable and cost-effective energy to our customers

Why does FortisBC develop an LTGRP?

Developing a resource plan is required by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) and it plays an important part in our overall strategic planning.

As demand for energy grows in the regions we serve, we need to evaluate all potential resources to deliver secure, reliable and cost-effective energy. These include:

• supply markets
• pipelines, storage facilities and other infrastructure
• conservation and energy management programs
• innovative energy solutions, such as renewable and lower carbon gas resources

The LTGRP outlines how we’ll meet our customers’ energy needs and how it can help reduce overall energy consumption, and overall greenhouse gas emissions.

How does FortisBC develop the LTGRP?

We develop the LTGRP in consultation with engagement working groups and in accordance with the BCUC’s resource planning guidelines. We conduct an in-depth, research-based examination of energy supply conditions, demand projections and resource acquisition alternatives that exist to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective energy to our customers. Specific components of the plan include:

• a discussion of the policy and market environment
• forecasts of our annual and peak demand over the next 20 years
• a long-term outlook on conservation and energy management that can help achieve energy savings
• recommendations for system reinforcements to meet anticipated annual increases in peak demand along with potential new sources of demand from industrial sources and natural gas for transportation applications
• other planning activities with the goal to provide secure, reliable and cost-effective supply for customers over the long term
• a short-term action plan to identify the steps required to implement, acquire or construct the resources described in the LTGRP

The LTGRP also looks at larger issues that affect how we deliver energy to our customers, including:

• market trends and technologies in renewable and lower carbon energy
• expected future demand and system capacity
• conservation and energy management initiatives to help meet government objectives

Engaging with interested parties, Indigenous communities and the Resource Planning Advisory Group

Connecting with customers, Indigenous communities and interested parties on long-range planning issues is a priority for us. We plan a number of opportunities for input into the LTGRP.

Interested parties

The interested parties engagement group includes (but not limited to): non-governmental associations, business associations, builders, developers, suppliers, government entities, municipalities, industry and others.

Engagement workshops throughout B.C. offer opportunities for interested parties in our service areas to provide feedback on long-term resource planning. Email [email protected] to be added to our mailing list for these engagement workshops.

Indigenous communities

FortisBC continues to work to meaningfully engage with Indigenous communities in our service areas in the long-term resource planning process. Our Statement of Indigenous Principles ensures our business operations are conducted with respect for Indigenous social, economic and cultural interests.

Engagement workshops throughout B.C. offer opportunities for Indigenous communities in our service areas to provide feedback on long-term resource planning. Please reach out to us at [email protected] to be a part of the engagement process.

Resource Planning Advisory Group

The Resource Planning Advisory Group is an established technical working group that provides FortisBC with technical advice and support in developing the LTGRP. This group of energy industry experts, relevant customer associations and other key parties regularly provide input on important energy issues during the long-term resource planning process.

Learn more.

2022 Long-Term Gas Resource Plan

We submitted the 2022 Long-Term Gas Resource Plan to the BCUC on May 9, 2022.

You can read the 2022 LTGRP and appendices, including an executive summary and action plan highlighting the key issues and recommendations that provide a preliminary view of FortisBC’s transition to a lower carbon energy future in support of climate change policy and greenhouse gas emission targets. After the regulatory review process in 2022, the BCUC accepted the 2022 Long-Term Gas Resource Plan as being in the public interest.

You can also read our previous resource plans.

We’re here to help

For more information about our LTGRP, related resource planning and engagement activities with the engagement working groups, please email [email protected].