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 assets for the production, transmission, delivery or sale of electricity, steam, thermal energy or gas to the public 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;
• Producers who do not resell the service or commodity beyond themselves, their employees or tenants;
• 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.

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