Before the Project can proceed it will require the approval of the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC). The BCUC is an independent regulatory agency of the provincial government that operates under and administers the Utilities Commission Act. The Commission’s primary responsibility is the regulation of energy utilities under its jurisdiction to ensure that the rates charged for energy are fair, just and reasonable, and that utilities provide safe, adequate and secure service to their customers.
BCTC will submit an Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the Project to the BCUC in Fall 2008. The BCUC will establish a process to examine the need and justification for the Project, capital and operating costs and other socio-economic and non-financial factors.
Once the Application is filed there are a number of ways the public can become involved in the Commission’s decision-making process. Information (including the BCUC’s New User’s Guide) is available on the BCUC website at www.bcuc.com.