FortisBC Inc. Rate Design Application for the Big White Supply Project

Project No. 3698457

Letters of Comment filed under this Exhibit may be viewed at the Commission’s Offices:

British Columbia Utilities Commission

Sixth Floor, 900 Howe Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 2N3

Library Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Letters of Comment received June 15, 2007

David H. Pihl, Pihl & Associates Lorraine & Rene Carrier Peter J. Charbonneau Don Haines Wayne & Diane Clement Larry and Margaret Marty, Cabin Bay Holdings Inc. Robert H. and Kathleen Ainsworth Gary Hales Christopher Sherriff, Solido Developments Inc.

E-62

IPII-II, & ASSOCIATES

I A W CORPORATION

Phone: (250) 762-5434

Fax: (250) 762-5450

300-1465 Ellis Street

Kelowna, British Columbia

Canada V I Y 2A3

Ernail: lawyers@pihl.bc.ca

wuu .okanaganla~~yers.com

David N. Pihl, Q.C.

Penny Pearson

Brian C. Rea

Sean T. Pihi

John S. Kennedy

Dana 6. Graves

Erie C.H. Ledding

June 15,2007 Our File: DHP 22,934

British Colmbia Utilities Commission 900 Howe Street, 6' Floor Box 250 Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2W3

Attention: Mr. R. J. Pellatt,

Dear Mr. Pellatt:

Re: Trapper's Crossing, Bia White Mountain - Units 4 & 18

I would like to respectfully state to any suggestion that the cost of the new transmission line to Big White Mountain be bom in part, or total by the Big White users only, not be given any consideration, in any form.

The ""postage stamp" approach has been used extensively for this type of an upgrade by electrical utility companies within the province over many years. Users of power at Big White Mountain have shared grid expenses in major expansions within the grid system of Fortis BC in other areas over time, and have never once complained that the expansion should be at the cost of the particular area being upgraded. Furfher, BC Hydro has stated that recovering the cost of systems u p ~ a d e s that service many customers by way of special regional charge, would generally be contrav to the principle of the "postage stamp" rates.

From the Procedural Conkrence, it would appex that Big Ski Resort is no different than many of the resorts across the province and any decision to require Big M i t e power users a special levy for this transmission upgrade, could result in serious impacts on the economic intent of the all-seasons resort policy In the Province of B.C.

It should also be remembered that some 20-25 years previous, the Big White consumers of power entered into a 20 year agreement with West Kootenay Power and Light, to provide a power transmission line to the mountain, The cost of the line was born by the

~ o m m e r i i a ~ l.iiiga;lofi cerioci' l~,ti;~,'b":oi>cji~i Gearh ~aboti i and E~pioyma!ii Law Co?n i~ i~ r~ ro r Li~igaticn Seal Estate i,t,ca:ron 1nlri;eciuzi Ploperty i l r~g~r l i in General :niurarce Liiigzrlc~

Page 2

PlHL 9i ASSOCIATES

LAW CORPORATION

Phone: (250) 762-5434

Fax: (250) 762-5450 d

300-1465 Ellis Street

Kelowna, British Columbia

Canada VIY 2A3

David H. Pihl, Q.C.

Penny Pearson

Brian C. Rea

Sean T. Pihl

John S. Kennedy

Dana 6. Graves

Eric C.M. Ledding

users on the mountain and paid for in rates over a 20 year period. Surely the BCUC would not expect the powe Big White Mountain to pay for this line twice????

/sb g:\user\2290O'Q2934\1 - bc utilities commission.doc

cc: Mr. David BenneM Vice-President, Regulatory Affairs & General Counsel c/o Fortis BC Inc. P.O. Box 8970 Station Main Vancouver, B.C. V6B 4E2

June 15,2007

Mr. R. J. Pellatt Comission Secretary British Columbia Utilities Commission 900 Howe Street, 6'" Floor Box 250 Vancouver, B.C. V 4 Z 2N3

Dear Mr. Pellatt;

I would like to respectfully state to any suggestion that the cost of the new transmission line to Big White Mountain be born in part, or total by the Big White users only, not be given any consideration, in any form.

The " postage stamp" approach has been used extensively for this type of an upgrade by Elecbical Utility Companies within the province over many years. Users of power at Big White Mountain, have shared grid expenses in major expansions within the grid system of FortisBC in other areas over time, and have never once complained that the expansion should be at the cost of the particular area being upgraded. Further, BC Hydro has stated that recovering the costof systems upgrades that service many customers by way of special regional charge, would generally be conbary to the principle of the " postage stamp" rates.

From the Procedural Conference, iwould appear that Big Ski Resort is no different than many of the resorts across the province and any decision to require Big White power users a special levy for this kansmission upgrade, could result in serious impacts on the economic intent of the all-seasons resort policy in the Province of B.C.

It should also be remembered that some 20-25 years previous, the Big White consumers of power, entered into a 20 year agreement with West Kootenay Power and Light, to provide a power bansmission line to the mountain. The cost of the line was born by the users on the mountain and paid for in rates over a 20 year period. Surely the BCUC would not expect the power users on Big White Mountain to pay for this line twice????

Yours truly,

Lorraine and Rene Carrier #5 Trappers Crossing Big %ite BC

cc Iar. David Bennett Vice-President, Regulatory Affairs & General Counsel C/O FortisBC Inc. P.O. Box 8970 Station Main Vancouver, B.C. V6B 4E2

Mr. R. J. PeUaa ission. Secrem

British CasBmm$ia Utilities 9: Howe S&=t, b* FloorD Box 250

Vmmuver, B.C. v4z 243

P wodd iiie to $0 m p u g d o s a that the C& of the new ms~ssion line to Big Wte Mom@h be born in p@ or total by the Big %%te users onsly, not be given m y s;o$psIderation, in m y fom.

The " "sage S ~ P ' ~ approach has been used extensively for this type of an u ~ d e by E l s h d Utility %v&hin the provh$:e over years* Users of power at Big W t e Mom* have s vsim of F o ~ s B G in

over h e , md have never n shodd be at the cost sf m a h h g up&&* Furthers B ndh;:$-e&mdgQI

systems upgdes that service many customers by way of special e"2giomI charge, would genrerdly be c o n b ~ to the p~nciple sf the " p-e

It should % be rememkred W some 20-25 years previous, the Big W%e mmmers of power, enkrd inti a 20-yea qwmmk ~4th West Kootemy Power and Light, to provide a

BCUC would not expect the power users on Big W t e Mombk to pay for this Iin ????

(Om& iae Big mite)

& General Counsel P, ~ k - ~ ~ .ei i"' oBnnegU

61/43 FodsBC Hm* 2224 &ays P.0, Box 8970 Station Main Oakvi!le, Ookri0

L6!d ~ * J B Vmcouver, B.C.

Don Haines %0@4058 Lakeshore Rd Keiowna BC V I W ;V6

M. R. J. Pellaa Commission S e c r e m E ~ t i s h Golmbia Utilities Co 900 Horn S~reet, bU" Floor Box 250 Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2M3

June 2 5,2007

Dear Mr. PellaM;

I vvould like to respectfully state to any suggestion that the cost of the new trmsmission line to Big m i t e Momtain be born in I>&, or tohl by the Big W t e users only, not be given any consideration, in a f l y form.

The " "stage stamp" approach lnas been used exwsively for this type of an upgade by Elechcal UiliQ G o m p ~ e s tvlithin the province over many years. Users of powr at Big m i t e Mountain, have shmed grid expenses in major expansions w i ~ n the grid system of FortisSC in other aseas over time, and have never once complained that the expansion should be at the cost of the pmieular area being u p w e d . F d e r , BG Hydro has staled that recovering the cost of systems upgrades that service many eustomrs by way of special regional charge, muld generally be eontrasy to the p~nciple of the " p s b g e s m p " rates.

From the Procedural Conference, it w u l d appear that Big Ski Resod is no different than masly of the rresort;s across the provkce and a3ly decision to r e q ~ r e Big W i k powr users a special levy for this kansmission upgrade, could resul"tn serious impacts on the economic intent of the all-seasons resm policy in the Pmvince of B.C.

It should also be remembered that some 20-25 yeas previous, the Big White eonsmers of power, entered into a 20 year agreement with West Kootenay Po-tver m d Light, to provide a power transmission line to the mountain. The cost of the line vvas born by the users on the mounhin md paid for in rates over a 20 yeas pe~od. Susely the BGUC would not expect the power users on Big M i & Mou-nlain to pay for this line ~ c e ? ? ? ?

ce Mr. David Bemea Vice-President, Regulato-ry Affairs & General Counsel c/o FodisBC Ine. P.O. Box 8970 Station Main Vancouver, B.C.

V6B 4E2

6430 Vn?liskey Jack Rd., Unit 11 l Big m i t e

Wayne & Dime Clement 14650 C m s Landing Rd Winfield, BC V4V B 66

W . R, 9. Peflatt issisn Secrelxy

900 Howe StreetJl, 6" Floor Box 250 Vmcouver, B.C.

V6Z 2N3

We o w two properties at Big W%iteigi, one sf which i s our kli-time &inter residence. We would like to respectfully state to m y suggestion that the cost of the new &=mission

line to Big White Mountain be born in part, 69% total by the Big White users only, not be given any consideration, in m y form,

The ' 6 postage stamp9' approacfim k e n used extensively for this type o f an upgade by EElectricd Utility Companies within the province over many yeas. Users of power kl$ Big W t e iPiIom&h, have shared g id expenses in. major expansions witbin the grid system of Fof.a;-"IsBC in other areas over time, md have never once complained that the expansion should be at ike cost of the piaSZ;icultu area. being upgraded, Further, BC Hydro has stated $hat wcove~ng the cost of systems upgrades &;?it service m a y customers by way of special regional charge, wodd generally be contray to the principle of the '' postage stamp" rates.

From the Procedural Conference, it would appear that Big Ski Resort i s no different ehm many oftbe resorts across the province md any decision to require Big Wksite power users a special levy for this transmission upgrade, COUM result in serious impacts on &e economic intent of the ali-seasons resort policy in the Province o f B,C,

it should &so be remembered &at some 20-25 years previous, the Big WXte consmers of power, entered into a 28 year agreement with West Kootenay Power m d Light, to provide a power w:msmission line to the mountain, 74re cost o f t k line was born by the users on the mountain m d paid for in rates over a 20 year period. Surely the BCUC would not expect the power users on Big White Mountain 20 pay for this 1he kBn~ice????

cb: Mr. David BemeQ Vice-Preside&, Regulatory ARairs & General Counsel @id) FortisBC he, P.0, Box 8970 Station Main Vmcowes, B. g7,

V6B 4E2

Cabin Bay Holdings Inc. 1'928 Keloka Drive

Kelowna BC V1Z 2x1 Phone (250) 769-"7333 Ce11(250) 470-7799 email

June 15,2007

Mr. R.4. PelBaM Commission Secretary BC Utilities Commission Sixlh Floor, 906 Howe Street, Box 250 Vancouver BC V6Z 2N3

Dear Mr. PellaM:

RE: ForlisBC Biq White Rate Desian Proiect 3698457

1 am shocked to hear thal The Commission is considering a deviation away from the ""Pslage Stamp" philosophy of recovehng the capital cost of system upgrades.

Big White is a community with sewices like a fire deparlment, a school etc. plus a large number of single and multi family homes. Big White Ski Resod LTD is only one of many customers served by FortisBG. Our community must be treated just like any other community where there is an upgrade "r the utility grid.

To deviate from the "Postage Stamp" principle would apply a unique hardship on ForlisBG customers in the Big White Community and iiurthemore totally destabilize the provincial rate structure. 1 am sure thal based on the "'Postage Stamp" process in existence today thal we are paying for line upgrades to remote places like Kaslo, Porl Hardy, Barkewille, Bella Coola etc. If there is a deviation From the "Postage Stamp" concept then I would expect that the Big White Community would receive a REFUND as we have been paying into their system but those isolated communities would not be paying into our upgrade. As you see any exception to the rule creates nothing but. chaos and a total dissewice lo all customers.

Thank you for your aHention lo this matter and I trust that the Commission will deal with this matter in the only fair way possible, that being maintaining the existing ""Fsstage Stamp" concept.

Sincerely

Cc: Mr. David BenneM Vice-president, Regulatory AMairs and General Counsel C/O FoIZisBC Inc. P.8. Box 8970 Station Main Vancouver, BG V6B 4E2

Robert: H. Ainswofih Kathleen Ainsws&l-r

I>. 0. Box "133 Newpod, WA. 991 56

15 June, 07

British Columbia Utilities Cammission 900 Hswe St. Sifih Floor Box 250 Vancouver, B.C. V622N3

Subjed: Foshis BC Big Wasite Rate Design Projed #3698457

Dear Sir or Madam:

We are writing this leHer to staondy psskst the assignment of the costs of the new transmission lines to existing Big White rate payers. These costs should be paid out of the total revenues of t h e utility company, that is, the costs shodd be spread among all rate payers as an increase in utility costs. It is a b rm of discrimination "c ofiempt to exhorf these fees from only a small portion sf the rate payers. When there have been upgrades in other areas have the beneficiaries of these upgrades been assessed for the full expense???

Please do the right thing and do not penalize the Big White residents,

Big While Owners

CC Fodis B C Bglc

P. 0. Box 8970, Station Main Vancauver, B. C. V6B4E2

June 15,2007 Mr W J PeLLatk Commission Secl-etary British CoBumbia Lftilities Commission 900 Howe Street- Floor Box 250 Vanc~uver~ B C

V6Z 2N3

Dear *Mr Pellatt;

'E would like to sespecte~lly state to any suggestion that the cost of the new transmission line to Big V~~I-iite hlountain be born in part, or total by the Big Wite users onlyq not be given any consideration, in any hm

The " postage stamp'* approach has been used extensively for this tjpe of ;en upgrade by Electrical Utility Companies within the province over many years Users of power at Big White Mountain, have shared %rid expenses in major expansions within the grid system of FoAsBQC: in other areas s.i7er time, and have never once complained that the expansion should be at the cost of the particular area being upgraded Further, BC Hydro has stated that recovering the cost of systems upgrades that senice many customers by way of special regional charge7 wouid generally be ciamrary to the principle of the ""postage stamp" rates

From the P~ocedwral Conference, it iii70uid appear ithat Big Ski Resort is no diffierent than mmy of the resorts across the province and any ~ B G P S P B M to require Big W1-ihte power users a special l e y for this ~ s - ~ s ~ ~ s s I Q ~ upgrade, could result in serious impacts on the ecsnsrmi~ intent of the all-seasons resort policy in the Province o f B.C.

It should dso be remembered that some 20-25 years previous, the Big White consumers of power, entered into a 20 year agreement with Kootenay Power and Light- to provide a power ti-a~smissiorh line to the mountain $he cost of the line was born by the users on the mountain and paid for in rates over a 20 year period Sureay the BCUC ~~oer8d not expect the power users on Big White Mountain to pay for this line twiq;e?W7

3 12-Ptarmigan Inn @ Big White

Mr Gary Hales -K+V 10913 Lakeshore Rd. Port Albern~ BC V9Y 9A2

Vice-Presidem, Regulatory Mairs & General cola rise^ C/O FonisBB: lnc P 0 Box 8970 Station Main

niar. R. 3. Pellatt isslon Secretasy

BI7tish Golmbia Utili~es Gom~ssion 900 Howe S&ee& 6" Floor Box 250 Vancouver, B.C. V4Z 2N3

Dear Mr. Fellatt;

T would like to respeelfrally state to a;my suggehon &at the cost of the lzew trmsmission line to Big m i t e Mombin be born in part, or tot& by the Big W t e users only, not be given m y consideration, in any form.

The " p s h g e stmp" approach has been wed e~ensively for &is vpe of an upgrade by E l e e ~ c d Utilitgr C o m p ~ e s w i t h the pro,vnce over mmy yem. Users of power at Big W t e Momtain, have shared grid expenses in major expmsions thin the grid system sf FortisBC in other areas over time, and have never ome colzlplained t a l the expmsion should be at the cost of the pMieulas area bekg upgraded, F d e r , LOG H y h has stated that ~ c o v e ~ g the cost of systems ~lpgrades &at %mice mmy customers by way of spcid tlegiond chasge, wodd generally be contraq to the principle of the " "stage staanp" rates.

From the Psocedwd Conference, it wodd appeas &at Big Ski Resod is no diEerent &an mmy of the resom amass &e provhce an8 any decision to r e q ~ r e Big W t e power users a special levy for this bansmission upgrade, could result in serious impacts on the economic intent of the all-seasons resod policy in the Province ofB.C.

It should &so be remembered that some 20-25 years previntw, &e Big consuers of power, entered into a 20 year ageement witkt Mre& Kootemy Power and Li&f to proGde a power transmission line to the mountain, The cost of the Line was born by the users on the

s G L i r , c ~ 2 3 ~ ~ Suite 206 1433 St. Paul St. B 5a!es@soIido-groiip.cm 250 763 8397

Keiowna BC / VIV 2E4 wwv~.soiida-group.com 2250 763 6170

mountain and paid for in rates over a 20 year perid. Surely the BCUC would not expect the power users on Big White M o m b to pay for this line twice????

Chistopher ~hen i fq \ President

cc MI-, David Bemee Vice-president? Re@atov iif&rs & General Counsel C/O ForlisBC Bnc* P.0. Box 8970 Station Main Vmeouver, B.C. V6B 4E2