Some British Columbians will be paying more for natural gas next year

New year, new price increase. That’s the word from natural gas provider Fortis BC who said this week that its customers should expect “an overall increase to their bill” in 2021.

The increase is set to take effect as of January 1, with storage, transport, and delivery costs, being cited as the reasons.

“There are a number of items that make up an energy bill, including the costs to store, transport, and the delivery of energy, “which have all increased,” said Fortis BC’s Diane Roy in a release.

Residential natural gas customers in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Interior, Whistler, Vancouver Island, and the Kootenays monthly natural gas bills will increase by approximately 8% (or about six dollars) based on average usage (7.5 gigajoules per month), the company said.

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“We understand that energy costs are an important decision in household budgets and that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have unprecedented impacts on many of our customers,” said Roy. “I want all of our customers to know that they are our primary focus.”

For those customers who need support with their bills, Roy advised them to contact Fortis BC and “we’ll work with you to find a solution.”