Image: FortisBC

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Steep increase in FortisBC rates

FortisBC to hike gas rates by double digits for Abbotsford, Chilliwack customers starting January 1

Dec 15, 2025 | 8:52 AM

SURREY — Surrey-based FortisBC says it has received approval from B.C.’s public utility regulator to increase gas rates by over 10 per cent starting Jan. 1.

According to a statement from the company, the gas rate increase of 11.1 per cent is necessary for the company to seamlessly provide energy to its company.

“FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) has received approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) to increase gas rates starting January 1, 2026,” the company said. “This will enable FortisBC to continue delivering safe, reliable energy and expand programs that help customers save energy and manage costs.”

FortisBC says the average residential gas customer will see an overall increase to their bill of about 11.1 per cent, or around $10.95 more per month, based on a monthly consumption of about 7.5 gigajoules (GJ). However, individual bills will vary based on use.

“These rate changes support critical upgrades to keep the gas system safe and reliable, as well as increased funding for energy-efficiency rebate programs that help customers lower their bills over time,” FortisBC said. “This includes several approved and completed projects such as the Inland Gas Upgrades, Gibsons Capacity Upgrade, Coastal Transmission System Upgrades, the Pattullo Gas Line Replacement and Gas Advanced Metering Infrastructure projects. In addition, continued investments in conservation and energy-efficiency programs help customers save energy. The changes to FortisBC’s rates also reflect necessary investments in maintenance and upgrades that ensure the safety and reliability of the gas system that delivers energy to customers.”

Highway 1 fully reopens

Highway 1 fully reopens in both lanes in Abbotsford: AbbyPD Sgt. Walker

32m ago

Traffic mess on e/b Hwy. 1 in Abby

Motorists stuck in 5-km backup e/b on Hwy. 1 in Abbotsford Monday morning

57m ago

Flood waters

Overflow water from Nooksack River has stopped coming across U.S.-Canada border: City of Abbotsford

1h ago

Regulated by the B.C. Utilities Commission, FortisBC says it reviews its delivery and storage and transport rates each year and its cost of gas rate each quarter with the BCUC. This is done to help ensure the rates charged to customers appropriately recover the costs related to delivering energy safely and reliably.

“There is no mark up on the cost of gas; customers pay what FortisBC pays,” the company said. “To help reduce costs for its customers, FortisBC 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. In addition, FortisBC sells any surplus gas back to the market to further offset costs and passes those savings on to its customers.”

“In addition to the safety and reliability of the energy that we deliver, we know that access to affordable energy is important to the families and businesses we serve,” said Michelle Carman, vice president of customer service and external communications. “Our team is here to help with billing questions, payment options and tips to save energy.”