Did you know that your energy project might make you a public utility?

In B.C., public utilities are regulated by BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) under the Utilities Commission Act.

A public utility, as defined by the Utilities Commission Act, consists of any person or entity that owns or operates equipment or facilities for the production, generation, storage, transmission, sale, delivery or provision of electricity, natural gas, steam, or any other agent for the production of light, heat, cold or power to the public or a corporation for compensation. This includes thermal and district energy systems, electrical and gas distribution lines, pipelines, electrical transmission and more.

Who is excluded as a public utility?

• Municipalities or regional districts operating or providing services within their own boundaries;
• Persons who do not resell the service or commodity beyond themselves, their employees or tenants, if the service or commodity is not resold to or used by others;
• Entities within the petroleum industry or in the wellhead production of oil, natural gas or other natural petroleum substances; and
• Entities engaged in geothermal production as defined in the Geothermal Resources Act.

For more information visit: http://www.bcuc.com/resources/
Or contact BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) at:
T: 604-660-4700 or 1-800-663-1385 (BC Toll-free)
E: commission.secretary@bcuc.com