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​Overview

On December 19, 2014, EPCOR Water (West) Inc. (EPCOR) filed an application with the BC Comptroller of Water Rights to set water rates for the 2015 – 2017 period. On June 22, 2015, new rates were approved by the BC Comptroller in Order No. 2421. The new rates reflect the forecast costs of providing water service and maintaining and upgrading the system during this timeframe. These rates are effective January 1, 2015 and were reflected on customer bills after July 1, 2015.

Breaking down the new rates

The new water rates reflect the costs to provide safe and reliable water service. As shown in the table below, the rate increases will cause an average residential customer’s monthly bill to increase by approximately $8.50/month in 2015, approximately $5.75/month in 2016 and approximately $6.50/month in 2017.

Average residential customer monthly bill

(Based on consumption of 20 m3 per month)

2014​2015​2016​2017​
Minimum Charge (for consumption up to 15m3/ month)​$36.13$39.75$43.73$48.11
Additional Charge (for consumption over 15m3/ month)​$7.52​$8.25​$9.10$10.00
Rate Rider* ​(for consumption up to 15m3/ month)$1.37$3.24$3.61​$3.58
​Rate Rider* ​(for consumption over 15m3/ month)​$0.28$0.65​$0.75$0.75
Total Bill​$45.30$51.89$57.19$62.44
Increase to Monthly Bill ​​$6.59$5.30​$5.25

 

*Rate Rider reflects charges for outstanding balances in deferral accounts for the 2012-2014 period. 

Rate Rider reflects charges for outstanding balances in deferral accounts for the 2012-2014 period.

How rates are set

Water rates are based on forecast of costs to provide safe and reliable water services to customers. In British Columbia, these rates are regulated by the BC Comptroller of Water Rights as follows:

  • EPCOR submited an application for the proposed rates to the BC Comptroller of Water Rights for review and approval. Please see below for a copy of the application and associated documents.
  • As with the previous rate application filed in 2011, the 2015-2017 rate application covers a three-year period.
  • The BC Comptroller of Water Rights reviewed the forecast costs and proposed rates in a regulatory process.
  • This process provided opportunity for customer input.

Supporting Documents

A full version of the application is also available for viewing at our office:

EPCOR French Creek
#10-D Pine Tree Centre
1343 Alberni Highway
Parksville, BC V9P 2B9 

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What are deferral accounts? What is a Rate Rider? What are Interim Refundable Rates?

Questions and Answers

What are deferral accounts?
​Deferral accounts are used to record the difference between forecast and actual revenues or costs which are difficult to forecast, volatile and outside of EPCOR’s control. EPCOR currently uses four deferral accounts: consumption volumes, property tax, interest and hearing costs. Using deferral accounts ensures that costs which are outside of EPCOR’s direct control are neither over- nor under-recovered.
What is a Rate Rider?
​A rate rider is a charge or credit, separate from your water consumption charge that is approved by the Comptroller of Water Rights and used to refund or charge for outstanding deferral account balances.
What are Interim Refundable Rates?
​Rates approved by the Comptroller charged on a temporary and refundable basis until final rates have been determined through a regulatory proceeding.

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