The BC government made the following announcement today. BUT not one word about consumers and the two tier pricing system. Shame.

The BC Utilities commission is a tool of industry and it represents corporate entities and NOT consumers.

All of the comments that followed this announcement today came from industry sources. It protects them. Not consumers.

Roger Dall’Antonia, E\VP,  customer service and regulatory affairs, FortisBC –

“FortisBC is supportive of government’s recommendations for implementing the task force’s findings in the BCUC review. Historically, the B.C. regulatory environment has been reasonable and progressive and the recommendations made by the task force and government will further strengthen the BCUC in supporting B.C.’s continually evolving business and energy environment.

Howard Beale – Network

“I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”

***

Government is taking action to implement the recommendations of the independent task force appointed to review the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) so that the commission can resume its role of setting BC Hydro rates by the third year of government’s 10-Year Rates Plan for BC Hydro.

The review was launched in April 2014 in response to concerns raised by customer groups and utilities about the BCUC’s ability to deliver clear and timely decisions. Government appointed an independent task force to review the commission with the goal of improving its effectiveness and efficiency. The changes recommended by the task force will lead to a stronger and more efficient regulatory process.

Among its key findings the task force concludes:

• It is the provincial government’s prerogative to set provincial energy policy, define the BCUC’s mandate, and direct the BCUC on specific matters.
• Recognizing the unique and specialized skills and experience required of commissioners, the BCUC should be strengthened by shifting towards more full-time commissioners relative to part-time commissioners, reviewing compensation levels to attract and retain both commissioners and staff, and appointing an executive director.
• The BCUC’s internal processes should be improved by better defining the scope of issues to be dealt with in hearing processes, vetting who has standing to appear, and reviewing the relevance of information requests.