A public inquiry which aims to reshape the way Indigenous energy utilities are regulated has been announced by the province.
At the moment, those providing energy to Indigenous communities are regulated as public utilities under the Utilities Commission Act.
This provides customers protection and access to and independant regulator, which can intervene should rate concerns or complaints arise.
But additional costs relating to this can place a heavy burden on smaller-scale service providers.
In order to develop a framework which supports clean-energy and brings clarity to Indigenous communities, the BC Utilities Commission has been asked to conduct the inquiry.
The inquiry will ask: what defines an Indigenous utility, should they be regulated under the UCA, what framework should be applied, and how can government ensure the protection of ratepayers.
