As more British Columbians choose low carbon transportation options, energy utilities are offering services to support this transition.

The BCUC regulates energy utilities in British Columbia to ensure utilities provide safe, reliable services, and that the rates they charge to customers are reasonable.

BCUC's Role

The BCUC reviews rate applications from public utilities that are offering public electric vehicle charging services, fleet electrification, and natural gas for transportation, in accordance with the Clean Energy Act, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation, and Utilities Commission Act.

  1. Electric Vehicles Public Charging

    Public utilities are permitted to invest in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that meet the criteria under section 5 of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation. The BCUC approved the following rates for public utilities’ EV charging service in BC, which vary by the charger’s power level in kilowatts (kW):

    Charger Power Level FortisBC1 Rate Per Minute
    50 kW$0.26
    100 kW$0.54

    1 The BCUC approved FortisBC’s permanent rates by Order G-350-21.

    Charger Power Level BC Hydro2 Rate Per Minute
    Level 2$0.03
    Up to 25 kW$0.1211
    25 kW to 50 kW$0.2121
    50 kW to 100kW$0.2725
    100 kW to 200kW$0.40

    2 BC Hydro’s rates are interim and in effect as of January 1, 2024 by Order G-354-23. The rates shown include a Deferral Account Rate Rider adjustment decrease of 1% for fiscal 2024. BC Hydro’s EV charging rates are tied to its general rates; when general rates change, EV charging rates also change. The BCUC is currently reviewing BC Hydro’s application for permanent EV rates, which include energy-based rates and an extended stay charge.



  2. Electric Fleet Charging

    Electric fleet charging rates apply to eligible BC Hydro customers who operate electric fleet vehicles or vessels that they own or lease, such as electric transit bus fleets. These rates are for customers who use BC Hydro’s charging service for 150 kW and over.

    In 2020, the BCUC approved BC Hydro's Overnight Rate for overnight fleet charging at a depot and a Demand Transition Rate for in-route charging during fleet operating hours by Order G-67-20. These rates were in response to customer requests and to encourage conversion of fleet vehicles and vessels from fossil fuels to electricity. BC Hydro’s fleet electrification rates are tied to general rates; when general rates change, fleet charging rates also change.

    Charge Type Description Overnight Rate Demand Transition Rate
    Basic Charge This is a daily amount that partially recovers fixed customer-related costs, including metering, billing, payment processing, collections, and distribution system costs such as electrical lines and transformers. $0.2708/day $0.2708/day
    Energy Charge Measured in kilowatt per hour (kWh) of electricity used. $0.0756/kWh $0.0930/kWh
    Demand Charge This is the rate at which electricity is used. Peak demand is the highest rate of electricity use during a period of time. Electricity use is measured per month or every two months and customers are billed for their highest point of electricity consumption. Free between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
    $12.50/kWh for all other hours    		 Free until March 31, 2026.
    After this time, the rate will match the Large General Service Demand Charge until March 31, 2032.



  3. Zero Emissions Vehicles Charging in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

    Most electric vehicle charging takes place at home. However, many apartments, townhouses, and strata buildings do not have the infrastructure to support charging electric vehicles in their parking areas - according to our Electric Vehicle Inquiry Phase 1 Report (page 19).

    In April 2019, the BCUC approved BC Hydro's application to facilitate more zero emissions vehicles1 charging at home by Order G-92-19. Residential customers living in multi-unit residential buildings can combine their billing from multiple electric meters (e.g., separate meters for an apartment unit and for electric vehicle charging in an underground parking stall) under one account so that they pay one Basic Charge for all electricity consumed instead of having multiple accounts.

    1 The Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Act defines ZEV as a motor vehicle that is propelled by electricity or hydrogen from an external source and emits no greenhouse gases at least some of the time while the motor vehicle is being operated. As BC Hydro is an electric utility, this Electric Tariff amendment enables customers to have an additional meter installed for their electricity needs.


  4. Natural Gas for Transportation

    Under section 2 of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation1, public utilities may;

    • provide grants or zero-interest loans to persons in BC for the purchase or conversion of eligible vehicles and machines that is fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquified natural gas (LNG), and
    • construct or purchase CNG or LNG fuelling station(s), including distribution and storage facilities up to maximum ceiling amounts and time limits.

    The BCUC approved the following FortisBC Energy Inc. CNG and LNG stations and associated station rates as of January 1, 2024.

    1 Effective prior to amendments made by Order in Councils deposited May 19, 2023. Order in Council 308 deposited May 19, 2023 repealed and replaced section 2 of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation (GGRR) resulting in, among other things, the removal or modification of items related to natural gas for transportation under the GGRR effective May 22, 2023.

    FortisBC Energy Inc. - CNG and LNG Station Approved Station Rates

    Location Fuel Type Maximum Station Rate2 Third Party Access Rate Change Date Rate Schedule or Tariff Supplement Number
    Abbotsford CNG $11.665 Yes January J-7, J-8, J-22, J-23, J-66, RS 6P
    Abbotsford LNG $5.986 Yes January J-3, J-9, J-27, J-54
    Abbotsford CNG $8.975 No July J-17
    Burnaby CNG $15.463 Yes July J-1, J-6, J-24, J-25, J-31, J-41, J-43, J-50, J-51, J-52, J-53, J-57, J-69
    Coquitlam3 CNG $4.501 No January J-4
    Coquitlam CNG $3.504 No January J-2
    Delta CNG $9.621 Yes July J-45, J-55, J-60, J-61, J-62, J-63, J-64, J-65, J-67, J-68, J-70, RS 6P
    Kamloops CNG $14.440 Yes January J-20, J-32, J-34, J-44, J-48, J-58
    Kelowna CNG $12.573 No July J-16
    Kelowna CNG $11.770 Yes July J-12, J-21, RS 6P
    Kelowna CNG $12.176 No September J-5
    Nanaimo CNG $15.629 Yes January J-26, J-28, J-29, J-33, J-35, J-37, J-42, J-71
    Richmond CNG $11.436 No January J-49
    Richmond CNG $12.367 No January J-40
    Surrey LNG $11.121 Yes July J-10, J-18, J-46
    Vancouver CNG $8.184 No July J-30
    Vancouver CNG $11.591 No November J-15
    Victoria4 CNG $14.156 Yes January J-11, J-13, J-19, J-36, J-38, J-39, J-47

    2 Where applicable, the following station charges have been included, Spot Charge, Short-term Charge, and Host Fee. User rates may vary depending on the terms of the applicable fueling services agreement.
    3 This station’s rates reflect the previous rates which expired January 31, 2024 as BCUC approval of the proposed rates effective February 1, 2024 is pending.
    4 Victoria station rates reflect permanent rates currently applicable to existing third-party customers.