Image: FortisBC

By Mike Vanden Bosch

FortisBC

FortisBC won’t immediately raise gas rates for many of its customers

Mar 17, 2025 | 8:18 AM

CHILLIWACK — FortisBC Energy Inc. says it has received regulatory approval to maintain the current cost of gas rate for many of its customers.

According to a statement from the company, the British Columbia Utilities Commission has approved FortisBC’s request to maintain the gas rate cost for its customers at $2.230 per gigajoule (GJ).

The company acknowledges that some customers subscribed to the voluntary Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) program will see a rate increase, which will be offset by a change to the biomethane credit.

The BCUC typically considers FortisBC’s cost of gas and voluntary RNG program rates every three months and will review them next in June.

“We know that energy costs matter to the families and businesses we serve in British Columbia,” said Sarah Nelson, director of customer service for FortisBC. “While most of our gas customers won’t see a change in rates, we’re here to help if you have any questions about your bill. Our dedicated customer service team is ready to provide energy-saving tips, answer billing questions and offer personalized solutions to meet your needs.”

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FortisBC says it acquires gas at market-based prices, and factors like supply and demand, weather and economic conditions affect the price of gas in North America. FortisBC does not mark up the cost of natural gas, so customers pay what it pays.

To help keep rates affordable for its customers, FortisBC states that it purchases gas in the summer when prices are lower and stores it so that lower-cost gas is available to customers in winter months when they need it most. FortisBC then sells any surplus gas back to the market to further offset costs and passes those savings on to its customers.

On April 1, the Government of British Columbia’s carbon tax on natural gas and propane will increase. FortisBC collects the carbon tax on behalf of the province and submits it to them. FortisBC says it does not gain any revenue from these charges.

Customers subscribing to the voluntary RNG program receive a carbon tax credit (called the biomethane credit) on the portion of their energy designated as RNG. As of April 1, some customers subscribed to the voluntary RNG program will see a rate increase from $13.22 per GJ to $13.96 per GJ. However, this will be offset by a change to the biomethane credit.

Customers who have questions about their bill are encouraged to reach out at 1-888-224-2710, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.