FortisBC Inc. (FortisBC) Application for a Certificate of Public ...

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FortisBC Inc. (FortisBC or the Company)
Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project
Response to British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC or the Commission)
Information Request (IR) No. 1
Submission Date:
October 5, 2012
Page 196
Staffing changes in the AMI scenario are discussed in the response to BCUC IR1 Q85.2.1, and
the budget impacts in BCUC IR1 Q77.1.
Response:
85.2.1 Please describe and identify under both scenarios any programs/costs
related to Phase 1 and Phase 2 theft reduction initiatives.
There are no program/costs in the status quo scenario related to Phase 1 and Phase 2 theft
reduction initiatives as both are possible only with AMI deployment.
The program changes under Phase 1 of the AMI scenario involve a shift from reliance on
external tips to leads generated by tamper detection and improved data quality as well as the
operational efficiencies offered by on demand meter readings. Phase 1 requires the addition of
1 full time data analyst in 2014 estimated at $0.118 million to extract potential sites for
investigation. Phase 2 program changes involve energy balancing in strategic areas of feeders
to provide additional leads and will require the further addition of 1 full time power line technician
valued at $0.120 million. Please see response to BCUC IR1 Q77.1.
Response:
85.3 Please describe how FortisBC becomes aware of ‘known or suspected marijuana
sites’.
FortisBC becomes aware of confirmed marijuana sites as a result of the execution of RCMP
search warrants where FortisBC crews are requested to disconnect the electric service due to
safety concerns. Suspected sites are those where a tip or field investigation suggests the
possibility of a marijuana operation but there is no conclusive evidence to confirm this.
Response:
85.3.1 Does FortisBC have any explanation as to why 57 percent of marijuana
grow operations in Mission were estimated in the University of Fraser
Valley Mission study as diverting electricity, and yet in FortisBC territory it
is estimated at 25 percent?