FortisBC customers fuming over 17.5% price jump for natural gas
FortisBC customers are about to see a big jump in their natural gas bills in the new year.
The Canadian-owned, BC-based company received approval from the BC Utilities Commission this month to increase the cost of gas rate for all gas customers as of January 1, 2025.
According to FortisBC, it will result in an overall increase of 17.5% for the average residential customer. The company also stated that it “understand(s) that rate changes may be difficult for some of our customers.”
INFORMATION RELEASE – BCUC Approves FortisBC Energy Inc.’s Fourth Quarter Gas Cost Rates. To read the full release, visit https://t.co/0hKayr5KJj. pic.twitter.com/E4V7Zb01Cc
— BCUC (@BCUtilitiesCom) December 5, 2024
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“We want to assure you that these rate adjustments are aimed at better serving your energy needs,” said Michelle Carman, vice president of customer service and external communications, in a release. “If you have any questions about your bill, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”
“Our dedicated customer service team is here to support you with energy-saving tips and tools available online, answer any billing questions and offer personalized solutions that fit your needs.”
A FortisBC customer on X asked the company when they might see a price drop in gas rates.
When are you gonna lower the cost of fees, charges, and taxes on home owners usage of gas? We pay MORE for “delivery” of gas ($45) and carbon tax ($28) than the actual cost of gas ($15) we actually use by 100%+!!
— AcmeX🇨🇦🏴☠️ (@x_acme) December 5, 2024
Another customer on X stated that Canadians won’t be able to afford the cost of living soon.
“Groceries, taxes, other utilities, everything is going up at a rate vastly exceeding our pay raises,” said JD Lagrange.
Users on Reddit were similarly upset by the rising costs of natural gas.
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For residential customers on the Mainland and Vancouver Island, the average monthly bill will jump by around $14.25 based on a monthly consumption of about 7.5 gigajoules.
The first FortisBC rate increase since 2022 is aimed at helping the company make “necessary system improvements and long-term investments” across the province.
FortisBC
“As a critical energy provider regulated by the BCUC, FortisBC reviews its delivery and storage and transport rates each year and its cost of gas rate each quarter with the BCUC,” they added in a statement. “This is done to help ensure the rates charged to customers appropriately recover the costs related to delivering energy safely and reliably. There is no mark up on the cost of gas; customers pay what FortisBC pays.”
FortisBC highlighted several approved and completed projects across British Columbia in its rate hike announcement to customers, including Inland Gas Upgrades, Gibsons Capacity Upgrade, Coastal Transmission System Transmission Integrity Management Capabilities and the Pattullo Gas Line Replacement projects.