Natural gas rates to rise on Jan. 1

SURREY — Most British Columbia residents will pay more for natural gas after an Enbridge pipeline exploded in October near Prince George.

FortisBC said it has received regulatory approval from the B.C. Utilities Commission on interim rates for customers to take effect Jan. 1.

Diane Roy, vice-president of regulatory affairs, said Fortis strives to deliver natural gas at the lowest reasonable cost.

But she said there has been an impact to costs associated with actions the utility had to take to stabilize supply after the rupture.

Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland and Interior residential customers will see an annual increase of about nine per cent or $68 based on average annual usage.

Those in Fort Nelson will pay about seven per cent more or $51, while those in Revelstoke receiving piped propane will see a decrease of about 11 per cent or $108.

Fortis said these are interim changes and permanent rate decisions are expected in the first quarter of 2019, which might result in a bill adjustment for customers.

The utility added that weather, supply and demand and economic conditions also affect the market price of natural gas and propane in North America.

The pipeline that ruptured two months ago has been fixed and the company has raised its maximum allowable operating pressure to 85 per cent.