- Why did Terasen Gas change its name?
The Fortis companies in BC were known by several names including Terasen Gas Inc., Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc., Terasen Gas (Whistler) Inc. and FortisBC., all of which continue as separate legal entities. However, going forward our customers will know all these companies under the shared name FortisBC.
This change identifies our gas business more fully with other Fortis Inc. operations and reflects its position as part of the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada.
The companies that comprise FortisBC account for more than 50 percent of the total assets of Fortis Inc., a Canadian-owned company headquartered in St. John's, Newfoundland.
The move also reflects the shared energy expertise of the bsuinesses, which together deliver more energy than any other B.C. utility. It also builds on the combined leadership structure put in place last year.
- When did Terasen Gas start using its new name?
Effective March 1, 2011, Terasen Gas and fortisBC began operating under the shared brand name of FortisBC.
- How will the day-to-day operations of the company be affected?
Although the name has changed for our natural gas operations, it is business as usual with over 2,000 dedicated employees continuing to work diligently every day to deliver great service to customers across the province.
The move to a common brand name will not affect the day-to-day operations of the company. Ownership of the company will not change; we continue to operate under our Canadian parent company, Fortis Inc., a Canadian-owned company headquartered in St. John's, Newfoundland.
- What are the benefits to customers of Terasen Gas changing its name?
Changing the name from Terasen Gas to FortisBC identifies our natural gas business more fully with other Fortis Inc. operations and reflects its position as part of the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada.
Aligning our strengths and resources under one brand name leverages our expertise in natural gas, electricity and integrated energy solutions, and provides customers one brand name through which to know all of our energy offerings.
We will continue to work together, build on FortisBC's core business of electricity and natural gas, and seek to provide new and innovative sources of energy to all British Columbians; ones that are efficient and make good sense for our customers, the communities we serve, and for the environment.
- Will a customer's bill change? How do they pay their gas and/or electricity bill?
The most noticeable change is that, starting March 1, natural gas customers will notice a new name on their monthly utility bill: FortisBC instead of Terasen Gas.
Customers in the southern interior of BC will receive separate natural gas and electricity bill statements from FortisBC under our new logo.
What’s new?
- Payee name: Terasen Gas changes to FortisBC-Natural Gas; FortisBC Inc. (electricity) changes to FortisBC-Electricity.
- Paying online: Customers who make payments through online banking may need to change the payee name.
- One name, separate statements: Customers with both electricity and natural gas service from FortisBC will now receive two statements, each clearly marked “Natural Gas” or “Electricity.”
What’s the same?
- Your account information
- Statement content, such as charges and taxes
- Rates and tariffs*
- Pre-authorized Payment Plan and Equal Payment Plan
- Online account and eBill services
*We regularly review rates with the British Columbia Utilities Commission, which regulates our operation
Natural gas customers can continue to reach Customer Service at the same phone number: 1-888-224-2710.
Electricity customers can continue to reach Customer Service at the same phone number: 1-866-436-7847.
- Can I pay both my FortisBC natural gas and electricity accounts with one cheque?
No. The electricity and natural gas divisions of Fortis BC will remain separate legal entities regulated by the British Columbia Utilities Commission. You will receive separate bills for these services (see samples). Customers will need to make cheques payable to the appropriate payee.
- Terasen Gas changes to FortisBC–Natural Gas
- FortisBC Inc changes to FortisBC–Electricity
- Who do I make my cheque payable to?
Natural gas customers should make cheques payable to FortisBC–Natural Gas
FortisBC Inc. (electricity) customers should make cheques payable to FortisBC–Electricity
- Do I need to update my pre-authorized payment with the bank?
No changes are required. Your bank routing information and our bank numbers will remain the same. However, you may still want to check your account to ensure your payment was processed properly.
- Do I need to change my online banking setup?
Customers who currently bank online through their personal bank should not need to reregister as most banking systems will automatically update the payee. If you are a natural gas customer the payee will change from Terasen Gas to FortisBC – Natural Gas. If your banking system is still showing Terasen Gas instead of FortisBC – Natural Gas, please make your payment to Terasen Gas. Our bank numbers have not changed so your payment will process correctly. If you are a FortisBC Inc electric customer, the payee will change from FortisBC Inc to FortisBC – Electricity. Customers who have not yet registered for online banking will need to choose the correct payee for either their gas or electric bill.
- What changes can we expect to see now that you have a new name?
Effective March 1, 2011, Terasen Gas and FortisBC began operating under the shared name and identity of FortisBC. These changes are noticeable in the following ways:
- Signs with the shared name and logo are installed at our facilities
- Vehicles and work wear have the new name and logo
- Terasen Gas email addresses have the new domain – fortisbc.com
- A new website (fortisbc.com) will replace (terasengas.com)
- Natural gas customers will notice a new name on their utility bill: FortisBC instead of Terasen Gas
- Who should the public call in the case of an emergency?
If you smell gas, or in the case of a natural gas related emergency, you can still contact the natural gas emergency number at 1-800-663-9911.
For an electricity related emergency, customers should call 1-888-436-7847.
- What does the name FortisBC mean? What does the icon symbolize?
The name Fortis is the Latin word for strong. The new FortisBC icon was designed to symbolize energy, strength, alignment and direction. The structure of the symbol is derived from elements taken from both the original FortisBC logo and the Terasen logo. It is also a stylized letter F. The circle comes from the Terasen symbol and the F is made of a reinterpretation of the FortisBC electrical waves.
The F is also symbolic of electric waves and gas pipelines. The icon evokes energy through motion and change of direction, as well as the warmth of the sun.
- Who is FortisBC?
FortisBC has been delivering energy to British Columbians since the beginning of the 1890s under the name West Kootenay Power and Light. In 2004, Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada, acquired all the distribution, transmission and generation assets of the West Kootenay Power and Light Company and renamed it.
FortisBC Inc. Then, in 2007, Fortis Inc. purchased Terasen Inc., which included the Terasen Gas group of companies, from Houston-based Kinder Morgan Inc.
- Who is Fortis Inc.? Where is Fortis Inc. based?
Fortis Inc. is the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Fortis Inc. serves approximately 2.1 million customers. Through its operating companies, Fortis Inc. has been a generator and distributor of electricity for more than 120 years.