The British Columbia Utilities Commission has approved a new energy-based rate of $0.39 per kilowatt hour (kWh) for fast-charging public electric vehicles (EVs) at FortisBC’s stations. This rate, set to replace the existing time-based rates, will be implemented by October 1, 2024.
Following a comprehensive public review, the BCUC concluded that Fortis BC’s energy-based rate is designed to cover the forecasted costs of providing EV fast charging services. This ensures that other Fortis BC customers will not subsidize these costs. The BCUC also determined that the $0.39 per kWh rate is competitive with similar service providers in British Columbia. The approved rate will apply to Fortis BC’s 50 kW and 100 kW charging stations.
In addition, the BCUC has sanctioned an idling charge of $0.40 per minute, which will take effect five minutes after a charging session ends. The exact implementation date for this idling charge is yet to be determined.
On December 22, 2023, FortisBC applied to the BCUC to approve its EV fast charging rate. At the time of application, FortisBC operated 42 EV fast charging stations across 22 sites within its service area. On March 15, 2024, FortisBC received permission under Measurement Canada’s temporary dispensation program to implement energy-based rates at all its EV fast charging stations.
