Natural gas rates to jump 17.5 per cent Jan. 1, says FortisBC

Residential gas customers are going to see a jump in their home energy bills starting in the new year, FortisBC says.

The company says the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) — the government agency responsible for regulating energy utilities in the province — has approved a 17.5 per cent rate increase.

Rates may change again in the first half of 2025, Fortis says, as the BCUC reviews Fortis’ rate-setting framework, which it says could affect final rates.

“The 2025 rates include investments in a number of approved and completed projects needed to support the safe and reliable delivery of energy, including the Inland Gas Upgrades, Gibsons Capacity Upgrade, Coastal Transmission System Transmission Integrity Management Capabilities and the Pattullo Gas Line Replacement projects,” the company said in a news release.

“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.”

The average residential customer will see their bill increase by about $14.25 per month, based on average household consumption, the company says.