FEI-FEVI 2010 EEC Report filed March 31, 2011 - FortisBC

16
Terasen proposes fuel substitution incentive programs to encourage the use of natural gas in new
construction projects for installation of natural gas domestic hot water heaters in the TGVI service
area and to install a natural gas range and/or dryer in both the TGI and TGVI service areas.
(Exhibit B‐1, p. 64)
Retrofit
Incentive funding for fuel substitution retrofits is only contemplated for TGVI, as many households
in its service territory still use wood, propane or fuel oil for space heating and fireplaces.
The proposed programs include incentive payments for:
• Switching to natural gas for space heating and for installing Energy Star equipment.
Terasen states that “the current regulatory regime for TGVI does not allow Terasen to
offer customers who switch to natural gas an incentive to install Energy Star
equipment.” (Terasen proposes that it be able to offer both, but also advises that it
would restrict the incentive to furnaces and boilers rated Energy Star.);
• Installation of an EnerChoice‐rated fireplace, insert or free‐standing stove; and
• Replacement of existing electric or propane ranges and dryers with gas appliances.
(Exhibit B‐1, p. 65)
Intervenor Positions
BCOAPO strongly opposes the inclusion of any expenditures associated with fuel switching away
from electricity to natural gas in Terasen’s EEC portfolio. BCOAPO argues that there is no evidence
as to an “optimal balance” as between electricity and natural gas and suggests that a movement
away from (clean) electricity to a fossil fuel would not be part of such optimal balance. (BCOAPO
Argument, p. 10)