The B.C. Utilities Commission has approved the EV charger rate change for FortisBC customers, effective Aug. 1

Electric vehicle drivers in British Columbia will soon notice a change at some charging stations in the province.

FortisBC now has approval from the B.C. Utilities Commission to bill customers based on energy consumption rather than time spent plugged in. The rate change comes into effect at all FortisBC charging stations August 1.

“Using energy-based rates ensures that all drivers pay the same rate for the electricity they use regardless of charging speed,” said George Thompson, EV infrastructure and investment manager at FortisBC, in a press statement.

New rate structure

The B.C. Utilities Commission approved energy-based rates for charging stations in the province effective January 1, 2024.

FortisBC operates 42 DC fast-charging stations at 22 locations in 20 communities across B.C., according to the company.

The new rate structure will see customers pay 39 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). In future, FortisBC will also have the option to implement an idling charge of 40 cents per minute. Idling charges will go into effect for EVs that remain at charging stations more than five minutes after finishing charging.

FortisBC joins another charging network in the province moving away from time-based rates. Since June, BC Hydro has been using energy-based rates at its charging stations. But the utility is charging 34.34 cents per kWh at fast-charging stations and 28.28 cents per kWh for Level 2s.

“FortisBC and BC Hydro both design and manage their electricity systems based on the unique needs of their regions and customers, and file separate rate applications based on different factors. Any rate changes and major infrastructure investments are approved by the BCUC through a rigorous application process and the public is encouraged to participate,” says Gary Toft, senior advisor for corporate communications at FortisBC, in an email to Electric Autonomy.

“The recently approved energy-based rates for our EV chargers ensure that the actual cost of electricity used to charge vehicles is covered by the vehicle users instead of all customers on the system.”