Kelowna, BC – September 14, 2009: The British Columbia Utilities Commission
(BCUC) has announced its approval for FortisBC’s Net Metering Tariff Application.
The approval means FortisBC can implement a new net metering program, allowing
those enrolled in the program to be credited for electricity they produce.
“The program is intended for residential and commercial customers to offset part or
all of their electrical requirements by generating electricity with systems that produce
clean energy up to a 50kW capacity,” said Michael Mulcahy, FortisBC’s Vice
President of Customer and Corporate Service.
The program will permit customers to install clean or renewable generators such as
wind, hydro, solar or geothermal on their own premises. These generators will then
be connected to FortisBC’s power grid through a bi-directional meter which tracks
the energy flowing from FortisBC to the customer and from the customer to
FortisBC. Customers will be credited at their existing rate for any net energy they
produce.
“Our customers have shown an increasing interest in net metering,” said Mulcahy.
“In addition to meeting this demand, the net metering program will also support the
BC Energy Plan’s goals to increase clean and self reliant energy sources in the
province.”
Now that the application has been approved, customers will be able to submit
applications for the program starting October 1, 2009. For more information on the
net metering program visit www.fortisbc.com or call the toll-free number at 1-866-
4FORTIS (1-866-436-7847).
About FortisBC Inc.
FortisBC Inc. is an integrated regulated electric utility based in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Focused on the safe delivery of reliable and cost-effective electricity, FortisBC serves
approximately 158,000 customers directly and indirectly through wholesale utilities in the
southern interior of B.C. FortisBC owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating
plants and approximately 7,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines.
FortisBC employs over 500 people in British Columbia and is an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. Fortis Inc.
shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS.
Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com .
For further information contact:
Jodie Foster Sexsmith
Communications and Media Relations Advisor
FortisBC Inc.
Tel: (250) 469-8007, Media Tel: (250) 718-1718
www.fortisbc.com
