Heritage Contract
On April 30, 2003, BC Hydro filed a proposal on the Heritage Contract, Stepped Rates and Access Principles with the independent regulator, the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC). The Heritage Contract is aimed at preserving the value of BC Hydro’s existing, low-cost electricity generation for British Columbians. A Stepped Rate structure is intended to encourage conservation and transmission system access among large, industrial customers.
Following regional hearings in Victoria, Prince George and Kelowna, and a public hearing on the Lower Mainland, the BCUC submitted 27 recommendations to government on October 17, 2003. Government accepted 22 of these recommendations and empowered the BCUC to act on the remaining five.
Government adopted the BCUC's recommendations for a Heritage Contract, which will take effect on April 1, 2004 and last for at least 10 years. The Stepped Rates structure is tentatively scheduled for implementation in 2005.
Government acceptance of the Heritage Contract
Documents regarding the acceptance of the Heritage Contract Proposal by Government.
- Information Bulletin and Backgrounder [PDF, 84 Kb]
- Order in Council No 1123 Special Directive HC2 [PDF, 92 Kb]
- Order in Council No 1124 [PDF, 31 Kb]
- Order in Council No 1125 Special Directive HC1 [PDF, 57 Kb]
- BILL 85 2003 BC Hydro Public Power Legacy and Heritage Contract Act [PDF, 109 Kb]
BCUC Final Report to Lieutenant Governor in Council
BCUC Report and Recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor in Counsil dated October 17, 2003
- BCUC Report and Final Recommendations [PDF, 668 Kb]
Additional material
Supporting documents
- Terms of Reference for Heritage Contract and Stepped Rates and Access Principles [PDF, 286 Kb]
- Stakeholder overview presentation [PDF, 125 Kb]
- Stakeholder engagement calendar - updated June 6, 2003 [PDF, 270 Kb]
Orders
- BCUC Order G-23-03 [PDF, 333 Kb] - Establishing an inquiry relating to a heritage contract for BC Hydro's existing generation resources, and to stepped rates and transmission access.
Workshop documents
- Heritage Contract and Stepped Rates Workshop Presentations May 13, 2003 [PDF, 701 Kb]
- Summary of BC Hydro's March 5 Workshop on Stepped Rates and Access Principles [PDF, 76 Kb]
- Stepped Rates and Access Principles, March 5, 2003 Workshop [PDF, 327 Kb]
- Stepped Rates and Access Principles - Customer or Interested Party Feedback [PDF, 257 Kb]
- Stepped Rates and Access Principles - Invitation List for March 5, 2003 Workshop [PDF, 22 Kb]
Last Modified: Nov 15, 2005
