Natural gas long term resource planning

Long Term Resource Planning (LTRP) plans for the future. FortisBC looks at trends in energy policy, regional growth and customer demand in order to develop strategies that meet the energy needs of our customers — now, and in the future.

LTRP looks ahead 20 years to identify energy supply requirements, infrastructure needs and demand side management plans. It sets out a four-year action plan for ensuring delivery of safe, reliable and cost-effective energy to our customers. For example, the action plan might include:

• identifying alternative energy sources, like biogas
• upgrading or building infrastructure, such as pipelines and storage facilities
• implementing
• energy efficiency programs

While planning how to meet our customers' needs, FortisBC is also committed to managing environmental and social impacts.

Developing an LTRP is not only required by the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) but also plays a part in FortisBC's overall strategic planning.

As demand for energy grows in the regions FortisBC serves — the BC Lower Mainland and Interior, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, and Whistler and Squamish — we need to evaluate all potential resources for a safe, clean, reliable energy supply. These resources include:

• pipelines and other infrastructure
• natural gas supplies
• alternative and renewable energy sources
• demand-side management (DSM) programs, or conservation and energy-efficiency programs

The LTRP describes diverse energy sources and sets in place the initiatives we want to take in order to meet our customers' energy needs and help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and energy bills.

FortisBC develops the LTRP in consultation with communities, business members and First Nations, in accordance with the BCUC's resource planning guidelines. Our stakeholders are comprised of customers, associations, First Nations, builder developers, gas suppliers, government, municipalities, gas marketers and other utilities.

Our stakeholders provide input to the LTRP on regional and provincial energy issues, and system expansion needs. FortisBC has strong relationships with First Nations communities. Our Statement of Aboriginal Principles ensures our business operations are conducted with respect for social, economic and cultural interests.

The LTRP outlines stakeholder input and analyzes the financial, environmental and social impacts of resource decisions. It also looks at larger issues that affect how we deliver energy to our customers, including:

• regional, national and international market and political conditions
• trends and technologies in natural gas production and transportation
• trends and technologies in alternative and renewable energy
• expected future demand and system capacity
• conservation initiatives to help meet government energy objectives for a clean, efficient energy supply

Connecting with our customers, communities and stakeholders on long-range planning issues is important to us. We are planning a variety of initiatives that will offer opportunities for stakeholder input into the Long-Term Resource Plan, including:

• Community consultation
• FortisBC is hosting events province-wide in the fall to offer stakeholders across BC a chance to provide feedback on the Long-Term Resource Plan. Sign up now.
• Resource Planning Advisory Group
• Keep up-to-date with the latest Long-Term Resource Plan news by joining our email list.