From The Province – March 31, 2011

By Cassidy Olivier

The B.C. Utilities Commission has suspended a proposal by B.C. Hydro
seeking an interim rate increase of almost 10 per cent starting April 1.

The
proposal is included in Hydro’s revenue application package for the
years 2012 to 2014, which will, if approved, see rates jump by 9.73 per
cent as part of the Crown corporation’s $6-billion upgrade plans.

The
BCUC, however, ruled late Monday the interim rate may be “too high”
given Hydro’s admission during the proceedings that the government’s
review of the proposed increases could result in lower rates.

Minister of Energy Rich Coleman is heading a review into Hydro, at the behest of new premier Christy Clark.

The
BCUC said in a written statement on its website that arguments for a
proposed interim-rate increase are not based on the best information
possible given the ongoing ministerial review.

As such, the increase was suspended pending further submissions by Hydro and other interested parties.

The issue will be revisited April 8.