Starting August 1, 2024, FortisBC Inc. (FortisBC) will shift its electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to energy-based pricing. This transition from a per-minute cost to a usage-based rate ensures that drivers pay for the actual amount of electricity consumed. George Thompson, EV infrastructure and investment manager at FortisBC, emphasized that this change guarantees a uniform rate for electricity usage, irrespective of charging speed. He noted that this initiative aligns with FortisBC's commitment to supporting low- and zero-carbon transportation options, contributing to a reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions in the province.
Under the new rate structure, drivers will pay $0.39 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at all FortisBC charging stations. This change follows the British Columbia Utilities Commission's (BCUC) approval of FortisBC's application to transition from time-based to energy-based rates across its 22 EV fast charging locations. This adjustment is consistent with other public charging services in British Columbia.
The BCUC's decision also permits FortisBC to implement a future idling charge of $0.40 per minute for vehicles that remain at charging stations for more than five minutes after completing their charge. This policy aims to reduce wait times for other customers during peak usage periods.
FortisBC's investment in low- and zero-carbon transportation infrastructure is part of its strategy to support British Columbia's climate action goals, including the objective of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 as outlined in the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.
Currently, FortisBC operates 42 Direct-Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations across 22 sites in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. These stations include higher-powered 100-kilowatt (kW) chargers, which offer faster charging times compared to the standard 50-kW chargers. Since the launch of its first public charging station in 2018, there has been a significant increase in usage. In 2023 alone, the frequency of EV charging at FortisBC stations surged by 38 percent compared to 2022.
FortisBC's ongoing efforts to enhance its EV infrastructure and support sustainable transportation options are key components of its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental sustainability across the province.
