Group files suit over FortisBC's gas ads

A B.C. environmental group is taking FortisBC to court, accusing it of greenwashing in advertising.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in B.C. Supreme Court, alleges FortisBC Energy Inc. has promoted the use of natural gas as more cost-effective and as good or better for the environment than alternatives such as electric heat pumps.

The lawsuit alleges neither of these claims is true.

The use of fossil fuels to power buildings is a major contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, while electric heat pumps provide heating and cooling without burning fossil fuels, according to the case filed on behalf of Stand Environmental Society and two individuals: Lori Goldman and Eddie Dearden.

They allege the company continues to add thousands of customers a year by falsely advertising gas as a climate-friendly source of home heating. It says a cost analysis posted on the FortisBC website last year comparing the cost of natural gas and electric pumps includes rebates for gas, but fails to include the rebates in the cost of the pumps.

None of the claims has been proved in court.

FortisBC said in an emailed statement Tuesday that it was aware of the claim but would not comment on the allegations.

The company said it takes “climate change very seriously and is taking action” to help B.C. meet its climate goals.

However, Ecojustice lawyers argue the province will have a difficult time meeting its climate goals without eliminating gas heating from buildings.

Andhra Azevedo, a lawyer with Ecojustice, one of two law firms involved in the case, said greenwashing is common in Canada, and this lawsuit alleges FortisBC has deceived people into buying new gas furnaces.

In a statement Tuesday, Azevedo said the plaintiffs want the company to “stop peddling misinformation and instead tell consumers that continuing to use fossil fuels to heat homes is not a climate solution.”

Both Goldman and Dearden said they joined the lawsuit because they believe telling people that using fossil fuels is cost effective is misleading because of the climate cost.