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 197
The FortisBC estimate of a 25 percent theft rate in marijuana grow operations within the service
territory is based on FortisBC internal data from 2009-2011. The Company has no explanation
for the figure quoted in the Mission study, however FortisBC does note that it has had a robust
Revenue Protection program in place since 2006 which factors into the estimated 25 percent
theft rate. To the extent that the estimated theft rate is higher, the proposed AMI Project would
provide a greater net benefit. The Company submits that its decision to assume an estimate of
a 25 percent theft rate reflects the conservative approach used to model the potential benefit of
AMI for theft detection and deterrence.
Response:
85.3.2 Please describe the approach taken by FortisBC in investigating known or
suspected marijuana sites.
When a lead is obtained pertaining to known or suspected electricity theft or a marijuana grow
operation, the account is reviewed for changes in billed consumption or links to other identified
theft sites. If warranted, a field investigation ensues to measure instantaneous load before the
meter and compare it with the consumption currently being recorded on the meter. If there is a
discrepancy, theft is confirmed.
Response:
85.3.3 How does FortisBC ensure the safety of its employees investigating
marijuana grow operations?
FortisBC employees are not engaged in the field investigation of marijuana grow operations.
FortisBC hires contractors that have experience in this type of investigation to minimize the risk.
The investigator employed by FortisBC at this time is a licensed Private Investigator and a
former RCMP officer with 30 years of drug related experience has been contracted to
investigate sites where theft is potentially occurring. The majority of confirmed theft to date has
been associated with marijuana grow operations. The safety of this contractor is ensured in the
following ways:
• The installation of an Automated Vehicle Locator in the vehicle used to visit sites.
• Adherence to a working alone policy that complies with Work Safe BC requirements.