Whereas there has been an increase in power surges and voltage variations that have caused damage to expensive electrical components such as heat pumps in spite of the installation of surge protectors; And whereas power companies terms and conditions of service state that the organization is not responsible for any loss, injury, damage or expense that is a result of interrupted service or voltage variations: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM request the Minister of Energy and Mines, and the BC Utilities Commission work with the power companies under their jurisdiction to establish a process whereby they can provide compensation for any loss, injury, damage or expense that is a result of voltage variations.
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Both FortisBC and BC Hydro have established processes to review claims from customers for compensation relating to voltage variation. Customers may use their respective utilities regular customer service contact to enquire further about the claims process and obtain guidance on how to submit a claim to the utility and the related information to enable the utilities to investigate and assess whether compensation may apply in addition BC Hydro provides specific resources online on how to file a claim. The electricity tariff of the respective utilities contains provisions that address the utilitys liability regarding the service the utility provides. These tariffs are approved by the BC Utilities Commission BCUC. The BCUC regulates public utilities in the province. If a customer is not satisfied with the utilitys quality of electricity service, they may make a complaint to the BCUC: https:www.bcuc.comDocumentsComplaintsBCUC-Customer-Complaints-Guide-Feb… While the BCUC does not assist customers seeking financial compensation, it will investigate matters related to the tariff e.g., quality of service provided by the utility. BCUC staff undertake the first level review in an effort to resolve the matter. Staff may determine whether a complaint or an unresolved element of a complaint requires adjudication by the BCUC. Staff will communicate with the customer and the company regarding the appropriate adjudication process. As a part of its review of customers complaint, the BCUC strives to balance the interests of the customer to receive safe, reliable and non-discriminatory energy services at fair rates with the interest of the utilities they are afforded a reasonable opportunity to earn a fair return on their invested capital. The BCUC also sets rates that are just and reasonable. This includes ensuring that a public utility recovers costs necessary to provide a reasonable level of service to customers.
BC Utilities Commission The BC Utilities Commission BCUC is committed to ensuring customers receive safe, reliable services at fair rates from the entities we regulate. We understand that some voltage variations may occur, and the electricity tariff of the respective utility contains provisions to address a variety of items including customer claims related to the service. If a customer is not satisfied with the utilitys service, they may file a written complaint with the BCUC https:www.bcuc.comDocumentsComplaintsBCUC-Customer-Complaints-Guide-Feb…. We do not assist customers with seeking financial compensation, however we will investigate matters that relate to the tariff e.g., quality of service provided by the utility. If a complaint is received, BCUC staff conduct a review in an effort to resolve the matter. As a part of its review, the BCUC balances the interests of the customer to receive safe, reliable and non-discriminatory energy services at fair rates with the interest of the utilities so that they are afforded a reasonable opportunity to earn a fair return on their invested capital. BCUC staff then discuss the appropriate adjudication process with the customer and the company.