If you’re a FortisBC customer, heads up, you’ll be paying a fair bit more every month on your bill starting next year.
Effective Jan. 1, the average residential FortisBC gas customer will see an increase of 11.1 per cent on their monthly bill. FortisBC estimates that this will amount to around a $10.95 increase to your monthly bill based on a monthly consumption of around 7.5 gigajoules.
However, individual bills will vary based on usage.
FortisBC received approval for the increase from the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC).
The gas provider offers several reasons for the spike, including managing costs.
“This will enable FortisBC to continue delivering safe, reliable energy and expand programs that help customers save energy and manage costs,” a release from FortisBC says.
The utility company says that the rate changes will also support critical upgrades to keep gas systems safe and reliable and increase funding for energy-efficiency rebate programs that will help customers “lower their bills over time.”
“This includes several approved and completed projects such as the Inland Gas Upgrades, Gibsons Capacity Upgrade, Coastal Transmission System Upgrades, the Pattullo Gas Line Replacement and Gas Advanced Metering Infrastructure projects. In addition, continued investments in conservation and energy-efficiency programs help customers save energy.”
The rate change will also allow for what FortisBC calls “necessary investments in maintenance and upgrades” that will ensure the reliability of its gas system, which delivers energy to customers.
FortisBC reviews its rates every year with the BCUC.
“In addition to the safety and reliability of the energy that we deliver, we know that access to affordable energy is important to the families and businesses we serve,” said Michelle Carman, vice-president of customer service and external communications, in a release.
“Our team is here to help with billing questions, payment options and tips to save energy.”