BCUC Establishes Open and Transparent Process for Site C Inquiry

VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - August 09, 2017) - Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) initiates its inquiry into BC Hydro's Site C project, as directed by the provincial government.

The BCUC's process for the inquiry is designed to be engaging, open and transparent, while providing the best possible data and analysis in the time available. The BCUC:

• Invites members of the public to submit data and analysis within the scope of the inquiry to the BCUC by August 30, 2017;
• Directs BC Hydro to submit the information required to inform the inquiry by August 30, 2017;
• Has engaged Deloitte LLP, a professional services firm, to provide independent data and analysis to the BCUC, based on the questions set out in the Order-In-Council (OIC);
• Will release its interim report on September 20, 2017 for review and comment;
• Will conduct a public consultation process, including open houses throughout the province, on the interim findings; and
• Will submit its final report to government on November 1, 2017.

The BCUC has appointed the following panel of Commissioners to report on the requirements outlined in the OIC: Dennis Cote, Karen Keilty, Richard Mason, and David Morton as Panel Chair.

The BCUC issued Order G-120-17 establishing the process for the inquiry into BC Hydro's Site C project and Order G-121-17 outlining certain requirements of BC Hydro. All relevant orders and further details on the Site C inquiry process, including how to participate, are available on the BCUC's Site C Inquiry webpage: www.sitecinquiry.com.

The BCUC will publish all non-confidential filings, in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, on the Site C Inquiry webpage.

On August 2, 2017, the Lieutenant Governor in Council, by OIC No. 244, requested that the BCUC, pursuant to section 5(1) of the Utilities Commission Act, advise the Lieutenant Governor in Council respecting BC Hydro's Site C project, in accordance with the terms set out in the OIC. The OIC is available on the BCUC's Site C Inquiry webpage.