Natural gas rates are going up next year meaning some British Columbians will pay more

As of January 1, 2021, FortisBC natural gas customers will see an overall increase to their bill due to increasing storage and transport as well as delivery costs.

As of January 1, 2021, natural gas bills will increase for the majority of residential customers by around six dollars a month, or eight per cent, based on average monthly consumption. For more info, see our news release: https://t.co/TX6IGpttE1

— FortisBC (@FortisBC) December 15, 2020

“There are a number of items that make up an energy bill, including the costs to store, transport and deliver energy, which have all increased,” explained Diane Roy, vice-president of regulatory affairs with FortisBC. “Our priority continues to be delivering safe and reliable energy to our customers while working to keep rates as low as possible.”

For FortisBC residential natural gas customers in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Interior, Whistler, Vancouver Island and the Kootenays, monthly natural gas bills will increase by approximately eight per cent, or six dollars, based on average usage (7.5 gigajoules per month). For residential customers in Fort Nelson, monthly bills will increase by approximately five per cent, or four dollars, based on average usage (10 gigajoules per month).

“We understand that energy costs are an important decision in household budgets, and that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have unprecedented impacts on many of our customers,” said Roy. “I want all of our customers to know that they are our primary focus. If any customer needs support with their bills, please call us and we’ll work with you to find a solution.”

Photo courtesy of Istock.