By The Canadian Press

Natural gas customers in B.C. to pay higher bills starting Oct. 1

Sep 12, 2016 | 5:45 PM

VANCOUVER — FortisBC says residential natural gas customers will pay higher rates starting next month.

The company says it has received approval for the price hike from the B.C. Utilities Commission.

FortisBC spokesman Michael Allison says a hotter-than-usual summer in most of North America increased demand for electricity, which is often generated by natural gas.

Allison says natural gas is bought and sold based on open-market prices so the extra cost must be passed on to customers, who will see an average rate hike of $82 a year.

He says the last price increase came into effect in April 2014. 

Making an impact

Nanaimo woman publishes books to open awareness of neurodiverse children

2h ago

iconic voice

Legendary hockey broadcaster Bob Cole, a welcome voice for a half-century, dead at 90

9h ago

first response

New staffing model on Gabriola Island hires local paramedics for enhanced patient care

14h ago

The current rate hike affects customers across B.C., except in Fort Nelson, which is considered part of a separate service area because it is located close to natural gas plants.

The Canadian Press