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Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
1
SUMMARY
The purpose of the City of Nelson Hydro Services Bylaw is to regulate and control the
Electrical Utility of The Corporation of the City of Nelson and to impose the rates, terms,
conditions and standards under or upon which electric light, heat, and power services
may be delivered, created, used, or improved.
Explanation of Symbols Appearing
on Bylaw Pages
A - Signifies Addition (Increase)
C - Signifies Change
D - Signifies Decrease
N - Signifies New
O - Signifies Omission (Deletion)
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
2
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NELSON
NELSON HYDRO SERVICES BYLAW NO. 3608
Being a bylaw to establish and regulate Nelson Hydro and to impose rates, terms,
conditions, and standards for the supply and creation of Electrical Services. Schedules
"A" through "E" are attached to and form part of this bylaw.
Any reference in this bylaw to an appendix, schedule, statute, regulation, bylaw, or other
legislative instrument shall be deemed to mean a reference to that appendix, schedule,
statute, regulation, bylaw, or legislative instrument in force at the effective date of this
bylaw, and as amended, superseded or replaced from time to time thereafter.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary ........................................................................................................................ 1
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ 2
Part 1 -
Definitions ....................................................................................................... 3
Part 2 -
Electrical Service Responsibilities................................................................. 10
Part 3 -
Conditions of Electrical Service..................................................................... 11
Part 4 -
Provision of Electrical Service ....................................................................... 17
Part 5 -
Disconnection of Electrical Service ............................................................... 29
Part 6 -
Metering and Meter Reads ........................................................................... 31
Part 7 -
Billing and Collections ................................................................................... 34
Part 8 -
Indemnification and Liabilities ....................................................................... 38
Part 9 -
Dispute Resolution ........................................................................................ 39
Part 10 - Severability ................................................................................................... 39
Part 11 - Repeal .......................................................................................................... 39
Part 12 - Citation .......................................................................................................... 39
Schedule "A" - Nelson Hydro Service Area ................................................................... 40
Schedule "B" - Urban Service Descriptions and Rates ................................................. 41
Schedule "C" - Rural Service Descriptions and Rates .................................................. 49
Schedule "D" - Rural Connection Fees and Other Charges ......................................... 55
Schedule "E" - Urban Connection Fees and Other Charges ........................................ 59
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
3
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NELSON
NELSON HYDRO SERVICES BYLAW NO. 3608
WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the City of Nelson considers it desirable
and expedient to maintain an electrical Utility Department (hereinafter referred to as
"Nelson Hydro") for the Nelson community and outlying areas and to make regulations
for the supply of this service;
NOW THEREFORE, in open meeting assembled, be it resolved that the Council of the
Corporation of the City of Nelson enacts as follows:
PART 1 -
DEFINITIONS
"Administrative Fairness Policy" means the policy that is followed when decisions
made by City employees are subject to a fair and efficient review. It applies to all
decisions made by staff and non-Council committees. Excluded from this policy are
those decisions subject to a statutorily prescribed appeal process or those that are not
eligible for review per applicable legislation or regulation.
"Agricultural Land Commission Act" means the statute that sets out the framework
and principles for the protection and administration of agricultural land in British
Columbia.
"Agricultural Land Reserve" means a provincial land-use zone where agriculture is
the priority.
"Ampere" (A) means the unit of measurement for the flow of electricity or electric
current.
"Apparent Power" means the total power measured in kilovolt Amperes (kVA).
"Applicant" means the person that has applied to the City for service whether new,
existing, or an upgrade or a Service Extension.
"Bank of Canada" means a chartered bank under the Bank of Canada Act (R.S.C.,
1985, c. B-2) and is responsible for formulating Canada's monetary policy.
"Bill" means the invoice produced by the City for the supply of any service to the
Customer.
"Billing Date" means the date a Customer's Bill was prepared by the City and is as
indicated on the Bill.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
4
"Billing Period" means as follows:
-
Monthly: the time between Meter readings that is as close to thirty (30) days as
practical.
-
Bi-Monthly: the time between Meter readings that occurs every second month and
that is as close to sixty (60) days as practical.
"British Columbia Utilities Commission" (BCUC) means an independent agency of
the Government of British Columbia responsible for regulating energy utilities within the
province.
"BC Land Surveyor" means someone who is professionally designated under the Land
Surveyors Act and is registered to survey land within the province of British Columbia.
"Canadian Electrical Code" means a safety standard published by the Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) for all electrical work and electrical equipment operating at
all voltages in electrical installations for buildings, structures, and premises in Canada. It
is also known as the CE Code or CSA C22.1.
"Charging Station" means a location that contains an electrical power supply device
for recharging typically plug-in electric or hybrid vehicles, trucks, buses, etc. owned by
the City of Nelson.
"Chief Financial Officer" means the person appointed by the Council as the Chief
Financial Officer as defined in the Community Charter and the City's Officers Bylaw.
"City" means the Corporation of the City of Nelson.
"City Manager" means the person appointed by Council to the Chief Administrative
Officer's position for the city and as defined in the Community Charter and the City's
Officer's Bylaw.
"Connected Load" means the sum of all electrical loads in the Customer's premises.
"Consumption" means the amount of electrical energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh) as
measured or estimated by the City over a given period of time.
"Council" means the duly elected Council for the City.
"Corporate Officer" means the person appointed by the City Manager to carry out the
duties of the Corporate Officer as defined in the Community Charter and the City's
Officers Bylaw.
"Customer" means any natural person or person who has a Nelson Hydro account.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
5
"Customer-Owned Generation" means a generation facility which is connected on the
customer side of the Point of Delivery in the Distribution System.
"Criminal Code" is a law that codifies criminal offences and procedures in Canada
under An Act Respecting Criminal Law (RSC 1985, cC-46).
"Demand" means the rate of delivery of electrical energy measured in kilowatts (kW) or
kilovolt-amperes (kVA) over a given period of time.
"Distributed Generator or Generation" (DG) means customer-owned electrical power
generation Facilities sourced from clean and renewable resources as defined in the BC
Energy Plan, with a design capacity of not more than 25 kW.
"Distribution System" means any network of Electricity that operates at a nominal
Voltage of 60,000V or less and distributes electric power between substations and the
Point of Delivery.
"Duplex" means a residential building constructed with a common central wall and
consists of two living units.
"Electrical Declaration" means a legal statement from a registered and certified
electrical contractor where they declare that the electrical work has been completed and
the work meets the Safety Standards Act (SBC 2003, C.39), Canadian Electrical Code,
and the Electrical Safety Regulation. See the definition for "Technical Safety BC
Declaration of Compliance".
"Electrical Safety Standards" means the Safety Standards Act (SBC 2003, C.39),
Electrical Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 183/2019), and all electrical safety regulations
implemented by Technical Safety BC including the current edition of the C22.1
Canadian Electrical Code and BC amendments.
"Electrical Service(s)" means the materials and equipment that transfer power from
the Nelson Hydro utility system to the Point of Delivery.
"Facilities" means equipment or apparatus that has been designed, manufactured,
built, constructed or installed to provide Electrical Service.
"Ganged Meter Base" means a configuration where multiple Meter Sockets are
grouped together into a single unit. They are typically used in multi-unit residential and
commercial applications.
"Generation Facility" means a facility for generating electricity or providing ancillary
services by Nelson Hydro through the operation of a Distribution system, including all
equipment and structures used for that purpose.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
6
"Hertz" means a unit of electrical frequency equal to one cycle per second.
"Illegal Activity" means a violation of federal and/or provincial law, whether or not it is
an offence under the Criminal Code, and may include an act prohibited by any statute
which is serious enough to have a harmful impact on the property, the property Owner,
Occupants and/or the general public.
"Independent Power Producer" (IPP) means Customers with Distributed Generation
(DG).
"Interconnection Requirements for Small Net-Metering Distributed Generators"
means a document located on the Nelson Hydro website that describes the
requirements for connecting customer generation equipment to Nelson Hydro
equipment or facilities.
"Landlord" means an Owner and a person as referred to and defined in the Residential
Tenancy Act (SBC 2002, c. 78).
"Manufactured Home" means any structure, whether ordinarily equipped with wheels
or not, that is designed, constructed or manufactured to provide residential
accommodation and to be moved from one place to another by being towed or carried
and complies with the Manufactured Home Standards Regulations of the Manufactured
Home Act (SBC 2003, c.75), and specifically excludes recreational vehicles.
"Measurement Canada" is an operating agency of the Government of Canada that is
responsible for ensuring accuracy in the selling of measured goods, developing and
enforcing the laws related to measurement accuracy, approving and inspecting
measuring devices and investigating complaints of suspected inaccurate measurement.
"Meter(s)" means any device used for measuring the Demand or Consumption of
electricity.
"Meter Socket" means a device that connects the building's electrical service to the
power grid. It is typically located on the exterior of the building in a square or rectangular
metal unit that contains the meter.
"Multi-unit Residential" means any detached building or Manufactured Home divided
into three (3) or more dwelling units and may include shared entrances, exits and other
essential facilities and services and/or dwelling units separated by common party walls,
each with its own separate entrance or exit. Including triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses
and multi-story apartment buildings.
"Nelson Hydro" means a department within the City that is the City's electric supply
authority licensed and registered with the BC Utilities Commission that has the
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
7
exclusive right to sell power to Customers within a defined boundary, known as the
Service Area, as filed with BC Utilities Commission.
"Nelson Hydro General Manager" means the person appointed by the City Manager
as the General Manager of Nelson Hydro for the City.
"Net Meter or Net Metering" means a Meter that allows for the flow of electricity both
to and from the Customer through a single, bi-directional Meter.
"Occupant" and "Occupier" means a person who is qualified to maintain an action for
trespass; who is in possession of Crown land under a homestead entry or pre-emption
record; who is in possession of Crown land or land owned by a municipality or regional
district under a lease, license, agreement for sale, accepted application to purchase,
easement or other record from the Crown, municipality or regional district, or who simply
occupies the land.
"Outstanding Balance" means any monies owing to the City for fees, rates, charges,
retrofit loans or security deposits.
"Overhead Service" means an Electrical Service to a Customer from a pole, via
overhead conductor. The overhead conductor connects to the Customer's Premises at
a mast point.
"Owner or Ownership" means in respect of the real property, the registered Owner of
an estate in fee simple; the Tenant for Life under a registered life estate; the registered
holder of the last registered agreement for sale; and the holder or Occupier of land held
in the same manner referred to in the Community Charter.
"Point of Connection" means the part of the City's electrical distribution Facilities that
physically connects to the Customer's supplied electrical Facilities. Serves as the
demarcation line between the City's and Customer's electrical Facilities. In an overhead
electrical service, this is where the utility's wires and the Customer's wires connect at
the mast. In an underground service, this is the bottom of the Meter where the wires
connect to the Meter base.
"Point of Delivery" means the first Point of Connection of the City's electrical
distribution Facilities to the Customer's supplied electrical Facilities. This is typically the
Meter.
"Power Factor" means the ratio between real power and Apparent Power in a circuit.
"Power Purchase Agreement" means a contract between an electricity generating
customer and Nelson Hydro where the terms and conditions of Nelson Hydro
purchasing power from the generator are outlined and agreed to by both parties.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
8
"Premises" means land, a building or a structure.
"Primary Voltage" means a distribution Voltage used by Nelson Hydro and is the
Voltage at the primary or high side of a Service Transformer.
"Producer" over 25kW installed capacity, designed for the primary purpose of selling
power to Nelson Hydro, and Net Metering Facilities designed to generate more than
their Consumption annually.
"Real Power" means the power actually consumed due to the resistive load expressed
in Watts.
"Rural" means a Customer outside of the City's municipal boundaries.
"Single Line Diagram" or One Line Diagram means a simple symbolic representation
of an electrical power system using standard schematic symbols.
"Service Area" means the lands that are or may be provided with Electrical Service as
shown on Schedule "A".
"Service Extension" means an addition to or extension of Nelson Hydro Facilities
including an addition or extension on public or private property that is required to service
a new development or Subdivision and is capable of servicing land other than the land
of the new development or Subdivision.
"Service Transformer" means the transformer that provides the final Voltage
transformation in the electric power Distribution System, stepping down the Voltage
used in the distribution lines to the level used by the Customer.
"Solar Garden Program" means the collection of individual agreements between the
City of Nelson and the Nelson Hydro customers who are participants in the Nelson
Community Solar Garden.
"Standby Generator or Generation" means a customer owned, non-parallel
generation used for backup power that is isolated from the Distribution System.
"Standby Transfer Switch" means a switch that transfers the load to a secondary
power source when the power is stable and within the prescribed voltage and frequency
tolerances.
"Subdivision" is as defined in the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw 3170,
2011, including all amendments and replacements thereto.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
9
"System Improvement" means an improvement to the Electrical Service that requires
facilities and/or equipment to be upgraded to significantly meet the increase in the
Customers' Connected Load.
"Taxing Authority" means an organization with official responsibility for collecting
taxes.
"Technical Safety BC" means the body established under the Safety Authority Act,
(SBC 2003, c.38) that has been delegated the responsibility for administering the Safety
Standards Act (SBC 2003, c.39) of British Columbia.
"Technical Safety BC Declaration of Compliance" means a declaration or notice
that, or another form of statement indicating that, regulated work complies with the Act
and the regulations. See Electrical Declaration.
"Technical Safety BC Certificate of Inspection" means the certificate that is issued
by the safety officer once electrical installation has been inspected if it is deemed
inspection is necessary through a risk assessment. If an inspection is not performed, as
it is deemed low risk, then the Declaration of Compliance serves as the final document
verifying that the work has been completed to code.
"Temporary Service" means Electrical Service that is less than thirty (30) metres over
private property, is for construction purposes only, and is commenced and terminated
within one (1) year.
"Tenant" means a person as referred to and defined in the Residential Tenancy Act
(SBC 2002, c. 78).
"Unauthorized Alteration" means any change that the Customer has completed to the
Electrical Service without an Electrical Declaration from a certified electrical contractor.
"Underground Service" means an Electrical Service to a Customer, via a pole or a
pad-mounted transformer. The underground conductor connects to the Customer's
premise at the Meter base from an underground conduit system.
"Urban" means a Customer within the City's municipal boundaries.
"Variable Frequency Drive" (VFD) means a type of motor that controls the speed and
torque by varying the frequency of the input electricity.
"Voltage" (V) means the difference in electrical potential between two points of an
electrical system measured in volts.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
10
"Voltage Regulation" means the process of controlling and adjusting the output
Voltage of an electrical system to keep it within a specified range to ensure stable and
consistent Voltage.
"Watt" (W) is the unit of measurement for the power required to perform work at the
rate of one joule per second.
PART 2 -
ELECTRICAL SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1.
Establishment
Nelson Hydro is hereby established to provide the generation, transmission,
distribution and supply of electricity to the Customers of the Service Area.
2.2.
Service Area
This bylaw applies to all lands within the Nelson Hydro electrical Service Area as
shown on Schedule "A".
2.3.
Customer Responsibilities
2.3.1. The Customer is responsible for damage to Nelson Hydro's Facilities,
equipment and for any other loss to Nelson Hydro arising from any of the
following:
a) Unauthorized Alterations or additions which result in the Customer's
load being above that approved by Nelson Hydro;
b) Theft of electricity or Electrical Service;
c) Malfunction of the Customer's Electrical Service protection equipment;
d) Trees, other vegetation or any other object on private property that falls
on Nelson Hydro's Facilities;
e) Customer's or user's acts, omissions or negligence;
f) Non-compliance with any provisions of this bylaw; or
g) Failure or refusal of the Customer to exercise reasonable care and
diligence to protect Nelson Hydro's Facilities or equipment located on
the Customer's Premises from damage or defacement.
2.3.2. The Owner or Occupant of a building is responsible for the cost of the
decontamination and for replacement or repair of any and all service and
related equipment, provided by Nelson Hydro if, as a result of an incident at
or near their building, such equipment has been damaged or contaminated
by a hazardous substance or dangerous good.
2.3.3. The Customer or otherwise the Owner must ensure that encroaching
vegetation is kept clear of secondary Voltage lines within private property.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
11
Maintaining one Meter of clearance and utilizing the electrical services of a
professional arborist qualified to work around secondary level voltages is
recommended.
2.4.
City Responsibilities
2.4.1. The City Manager is the head of the management division of the City and
shall be responsible for the overall management of Nelson Hydro, including,
but not limited to, such matters as labour relations, supervision of senior
personnel and further to act as liaison between City Council and other
divisions of the City.
2.4.2. The Chief Financial Officer is the head of the administration division of the
City and shall be responsible for the:
a) preparation, control and management of the administrative and
financial records of Nelson Hydro;
b) classification of electrical rates;
c) collection of charges in accordance with the provisions contained
herein;
d) filing and amending rate bylaws.
2.4.3. The Corporate Officer prepares and files statutory rights of way, and other
agreements in relation to the Electrical Service.
2.5.
Nelson Hydro Responsibilities
2.5.1. The Nelson Hydro General Manager shall be responsible for:
a) operation, maintenance, repair and upgrading of Nelson Hydro;
b) the management of all employees of Nelson Hydro;
c) ensuring that all records and information with respect to all new and
existing Electrical Service connections and disconnections are
accurately kept and reported to the City to facilitate proper charges and
accounts for Electrical Services;
d) making applications and submissions to the British Columbia Utilities
Commission.
PART 3 -
CONDITIONS OF ELECTRICAL SERVICE
3.1.
Regulations
Any person installing, constructing, altering, repairing, upgrading or maintaining
any electrical Facilities in the Service Area shall do so according to this bylaw
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
12
and subject to any requirements of the Safety Standards Act of British Columbia
(SBC 2003, c.39).
3.2.
Access to Property
3.2.1. The Customer shall grant to Nelson Hydro any rights-of-way over or under
the Customer's property as may be required for the installation,
maintenance, repair, inspection or removal of electrical equipment for
Electrical Service to the Customer. The specifications and requirements for
such right of ways are as outlined in Section 3.3. Any work done by Nelson
Hydro to facilitate the registration of the right of ways documentation shall be
the responsibility of the Customer and the fees for such Electrical Service
shall be as outlined in Schedule "D" and "E".
3.2.2. The Customer shall grant Nelson Hydro's employees or agents full access
to its electrical Facilities for Meter reading and testing, removal, installation,
Electrical Service inspections, maintenance, or repair.
3.2.3. If ready access to Nelson Hydro's Facilities is denied or obstructed in any
manner, including without limitation the presence of animals, and the
Customer takes no action to remedy the obstruction upon being advised by
Nelson Hydro's employees or agents, Electrical Service to the Customer
may be suspended by Nelson Hydro and not reconnected until the
obstruction is corrected and in these circumstances, Part 5 of this bylaw
applies.
3.2.4. In circumstances where the Customer has opted for manual meter reads
and does not provide Nelson Hydro's employees or agents with ready
access to the Premises, Nelson Hydro may, at its sole discretion and at the
Customer's expense, activate the automated meter reading function or
install a remote meter-reading device in a location deemed suitable by
Nelson Hydro's employees or agents.
3.2.5. Where Meters or any of Nelson Hydro's electrical Facilities are located in
Premises that are secured or locked, the following shall apply:
a) if Nelson Hydro's employee or agent deems it necessary, the
Customer shall supply Nelson Hydro's employee or agent with keys,
security codes or other means to access the area;
b) Nelson Hydro shall accept keys only in circumstances where Nelson
Hydro's employee or agent considers it convenient and necessary to
have its Meters or Facilities in a common area;
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
13
c) Nelson Hydro's employees or agents are not obligated to accept
custody of keys and Nelson Hydro retains the right, at its sole
discretion, to require that its Meters or Facilities be located or relocated
to an area Nelson Hydro considers appropriate and where locks are
not required;
d) In circumstances where the Nelson Hydro accepts keys or security
codes, the Customer shall be required to complete and sign a waiver
of liability to save Nelson Hydro harmless against any damage to
persons or property arising, accruing or resulting from the Nelson
Hydro having custody of the Customer's keys or security codes.
e) Nelson Hydro holds the right to install lock boxes on the facility to hold
keys and any other means of access if deemed necessary.
3.2.6. No person shall prevent or obstruct, or attempt to prevent or obstruct, the
entry of an authorized Nelson Hydro employee in the performance of his or
her duties under this bylaw.
3.3.
Statutory Right of Way
By applying for Electrical Service, the Customer grants Nelson Hydro a statutory
right of way on, over and under the property of the Customer as may be
necessary for the construction, installation, maintenance or removal of Facilities
for the supply of Electrical Service to the Customer. The following conditions
apply to the statutory right of way:
3.3.1. On request, the Customer shall deliver to Nelson Hydro documents,
executed by the registered property owners and applicable charge holders,
in a form satisfactory to Nelson Hydro in the required manner, granting any
required statutory right of way to the City.
3.3.2. A statutory right of way may be either in the form of a blanket statutory
right of way or a surveyed statutory right of way as so determined by Nelson
Hydro. The statutory right of way may contain a sketch plan (in the case of a
blanket statutory right of way) or a legally surveyed statutory right of way. If
Nelson Hydro prepares the blanket statutory right of way, document costs
will be in accordance with Schedule "D" or "E". If Nelson Hydro prepares the
surveyed statutory right of way, document, costs will be in accordance with
Schedule "D" or "E" with the Customer also being responsible to pay for the
preparation of and delivering to Nelson Hydro the legally surveyed statutory
right of way plan.
3.3.3. A surveyed statutory right of way must cover a minimum width of three (3)
meters on either side of Nelson Hydro's Facilities or works (or a greater
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
14
width as so determined in the sole discretion of Nelson Hydro) and provide
ancillary access to the right of way.
3.3.4. The Customer shall be responsible for obtaining a statutory right of way,
where required by Nelson Hydro, over other properties that may be
necessary for Nelson Hydro to provide Electrical Service to the Customer.
The Customer shall also be responsible for paying for the cost of the
preparation of the legally surveyed statutory right of way plan by a
professional BC Land Surveyor at the sole expense of the Customer.
3.3.5. Rural Customers and Nelson Hydro are both responsible for adhering to
the rules and regulations of the Agricultural Land Commission Act (SBC
2022 Ch 36) as it pertains to preserving agricultural land within the Service
Area.
3.3.6. This section applies to new service applications requiring statutory rights
of way and does not retroactively apply to existing services where historical
trespass may exist.
3.4.
Customer Communications
Any notices, directions or other instruments required to be given by Nelson Hydro
or the Customer under this bylaw shall be deemed to have been received on the
following dates:
a) If sent by electronic mail or facsimile - on the next business day
following the date of transmission;
b) If delivered by hand - on the next business day following the date of
delivery.
c) If delivered by mail - on the third business day following the date of
posting.
3.5.
Electrical Service for Customer's Use
Electrical Service supplied to a Customer shall be for the use of that Customer
only and for the purpose applied for. Any other change in use must be approved
by Nelson Hydro.
3.6.
Penalties
Any person who violates a provision of this bylaw, commits an offence, or fails or
neglects to do something required under this bylaw is liable, on conviction, to a
penalty not exceeding ten thousand ($10,000) dollars and costs of prosecution.
The penalties imposed under this sub-section are in addition to and are not a
substitute for any other remedy to a violation of this bylaw.
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G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
15
3.6.1. Each day a violation of the provisions of this bylaw occurs or is permitted
to exist shall constitute a separate offence.
3.7.
Customer Owned Generation
Nelson Hydro may permit Customer-Owned Generator Facilities in its Service
Area, subject to current standards.
3.7.1. Standby (non-parallel) Generator Facilities are permitted in the Service
Area under the following conditions and the current version of the Canadian
Electrical Code regulating the use of Standby Transfer Switches.
a) The Customer may, at their own expense, install standby generation
Facilities to provide Electrical Service in the event of a disruption of
Electrical Service from Nelson Hydro.
b) Standby Generator Facilities shall be installed so that they remain at all
times electrically isolated from Nelson Hydro's electrical system and
shall be installed in such a way that it is not possible for the generating
Facilities to operate in parallel with Nelson Hydro's electrical system.
c) The Customer's Standby Generator Facilities shall not be operated
without the prior inspection of Technical Safety BC and submission of
the Certificate of Inspection or Declaration of Compliance to Nelson
Hydro for approval. For services over 400A or 750V Nelson Hydro may
perform an inspection and provide written approval to operate. The
Facilities shall not be modified thereafter without the prior written
approval of Nelson Hydro.
d) The Customer shall indemnify Nelson Hydro and save it harmless from
all injury, damage and loss and all actions, suits, claims, demands and
expenses caused by or in any manner arising out of the operation of
the Customer's Standby Generator Facilities.
3.8.
Customer Maintenance of Primary Voltage Equipment
3.8.1. Primary Voltage customers must have a customer owned and operated
switch as their first piece of equipment before their transformation so they
can isolate their own system from Nelson Hydro.
3.8.2. Where the Point of Delivery is at Primary Voltage, the Customer may
request to have Nelson Hydro disconnect the service for the purpose of
maintaining privately owned equipment.
3.8.3. The request for disconnection must be made at least five (5) days in
advance of the maintenance work taking place.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
16
3.8.4. Nelson Hydro will disconnect and reconnect the Customer during regular
business hours free of charge up to once per calendar year. Costs
associated with additional services or services provided outside of regular
business hours will be paid by the Customer as per Schedules "D" and "E".
3.9.
Distributed Generation and Net Metering
3.9.1. Customers may install Distributed Generation (DG) Facilities, such as
small inverter-based residential solar or wind, projects. The Owner is
responsible for all the cost associated with the DG Facility.
3.9.2. The generating capacity of the DG system shall be designed to only offset
some or all of a Net Metering Customer's Consumption. The maximum
allowable generating capacity is 25 kW. DG systems are limited to single
phase 120/240 volt installations.
3.9.3. Generation credits cannot be transferred to another location or account
and shall apply to the metered location only.
3.9.4. The Interconnection Requirements for Small Net-Metering Distributed
Generators standards shall apply to these projects as per the document
located on the website or provided by Nelson Hydro when applying for Net
Metering.
3.9.5. Rates paid to customers for their own generated electricity will be equal to
the rate schedule applicable to which it is connected as per Schedule "D"
and "E". These rates are subject to the review and approval of the City
Council or the BCUC as applicable.
3.9.6. Excess generation is credited on the Customer's next bill. If a Customer
has generation credits as of December 31 each year, Nelson Hydro will pay
for the excess electricity at the FortisBC wholesale purchase rate paid by
Nelson Hydro in effect on that date.
3.9.7. The requirements will apply to all existing and new Distributed Generators
and Net Metering Customers.
3.10. Independent Power Producer (IPP)
3.10.1.
Customers and renewable energy developers may install
Distributed Generator (DG) Facilities, such as hydro, solar, wind or
geothermal power projects larger than 25kW, and/or those that are designed
to produce energy in excess of the Customer's expected load with special
consideration from Nelson Hydro.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
17
3.10.2.
Nelson Hydro will consider applications for single and three-phase
projects larger than 25kW on a case-by-case basis with evaluation subject
to pre-design fees as per Service Extensions outlined in Schedule "D" or "E".
3.10.3.
Interconnection to Nelson Hydro will be at the sole discretion of
Nelson Hydro and will be determined based on economic benefit to Nelson
Hydro.
3.10.4.
A Power Purchase Agreement shall be in place prior to
interconnection of an IPP.
PART 4 -
PROVISION OF ELECTRICAL SERVICE
4.1.
General Conditions
4.1.1. The supply of Electrical Services shall be in accordance with this bylaw.
4.1.2. The supply of Electrical Services shall be subject to the Customer's
compliance with, Nelson Hydro Standards, the Canadian Electrical Code
and the requirements of Technical Safety BC.
4.1.3. Nelson Hydro will supply a nominal 60 Hertz alternating electric current to
the point of delivery at the available phase and voltage. Nelson Hydro
reserves the right to determine the Voltage of the Electrical Service
connection in accordance with Section 4.4.12.
4.1.4. Nelson Hydro does not guarantee the continued supply of its Voltage or
frequency and is not responsible for damage caused by any variation from
the standard nominal Voltage and frequency stated above in 4.1.3.
4.1.5. A person who desires an Electrical Service is required to apply for
Electrical Service under this bylaw and must complete an application on the
form provided by Nelson Hydro and submit it, along with the applicable fees.
4.1.6. The City shall not be responsible for or bound by any promises,
agreements or representations made by any servant, agent, representative
or employee of the City that contravenes any provisions of this bylaw.
4.1.7. The terms and conditions contained herein constitute the entire agreement
for Electrical Service between the City and the Customer.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
18
4.2.
Electrical Service Classifications
All Electrical Services are classified according to the use of the property and
electrical service descriptions and rates are described in Schedules "B" and "C".
4.3.
Application for Electrical Service
An application that has been accepted by Nelson Hydro shall form an agreement.
In accordance with this bylaw, Electrical Service is delivered to the Customer.
4.3.1. Applications for Electrical Service are required for any of the following:
a) connection of a new Electrical Service or Electrical Service location
change;
b) a new Customer located at an existing Electrical Service;
c) transfer of a Customer's account to another location;
d) an increase in the Customer's electrical load requirements; or
e) an Electrical Service Extension.
4.3.2. As a condition of supplying or continuing to supply Electrical Service, the
Applicant or Customer must pay the required connection fees and other
charges established in Schedule "D" or "E" when the application for service
falls within typical and standard circumstances. Customers requiring
extensive infrastructure beyond typical circumstances will be subject to
additional fees at the sole discretion of Nelson Hydro.
4.3.3. The Customer must supply the City with accurate information on their
electrical load requirements. The City shall not be responsible for any loss,
cost or damages suffered by any Customer as a result of service being
provided based on inaccurate information.
4.3.4. As a condition of connecting Electrical Service, an Applicant must provide
a security deposit as specified in Schedule "D" or "E" unless the Applicant
provides proof of Ownership of the Premises to which the Electrical Service
is to be supplied.
4.3.5. In the absence of an application for Electrical Service, the supply of
electricity by the City and its use by the Customer shall be deemed to
constitute an agreement by the Customer to accept Electrical Service under
the terms and conditions contained herein.
4.3.6. Nelson Hydro may refuse an application for Electrical Service when any of
the following conditions apply:
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
19
a) City Facilities are not available to supply an adequate Electrical
Service;
b) the Applicant's Facilities are not satisfactory to Nelson Hydro or do not
meet the minimum requirements of Technical Safety BC;
c) the Applicant fails to meet the security deposit requirements of this
bylaw (Section 7.7); or
d) the application for Electrical Service is for Premises that the Applicant
occupies with another Occupant who has had the Electrical Service
disconnected for non-payment of fees, rates or security deposit.
4.3.7. A Customer must not substantially increase their Connected Load without
first obtaining approval from Nelson Hydro under a separate application.
4.3.8. A Customer must not use the Electrical Service or any part of its electricity
for any purpose other than that for which the application is made.
4.3.9. When there is a change in Ownership or tenancy on any existing Electrical
Service connection, the new Owner or Occupant who wishes to have the
service continued must submit an application for Electrical Service together
with the applicable fees in accordance with this bylaw.
4.3.10.
When there is a change in tenancy or vacancy on any existing
Electrical Service connection the account may, at Nelson Hydro's discretion,
revert to the Owner's account until a new application for Electrical Service is
submitted together with the applicable fees in accordance with this bylaw.
4.3.11.
If the Outstanding Balance for any amount owing for a service at a
Premises remains unpaid by December 31, the Outstanding Balance is a
debt owing to the City, and among other remedies, may be collected in the
same manner as for property taxes in arrears.
4.3.12.
Commercial Customers must post a schematic of their electrical
system beside or near their Electrical Service entry point to assist with
emergency response. This schematic or diagram shall contain information
that is typically found in a Single Line Diagram.
4.4.
New and Upgraded Electrical Services
4.4.1. Subject to Part 3 - Conditions of Electrical Service, Nelson Hydro will
connect a new or upgraded Electrical Service to the Owner's Premises, after
receipt of the following:
a) a regional district or municipal address;
b) a completed service application;
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
20
c) payment of all connection and installation fees and charges;
d) payment of any required security deposit;
e) Technical Safety BC Declaration of Compliance and/or a Certificate of
Inspection;
f) any other permits or approvals that may be required from Nelson
Hydro or other levels of government;
g) be within 30m of an existing Nelson Hydro electrical service, and
h) if required, a signed and registered statutory right of way from all
properties affected by the service in favour of Nelson Hydro.
4.4.2. Upon receipt and acceptance of a completed application for a new Service
or upgrade to an existing Service, Nelson Hydro's target service standards
to complete the request are:
a) Residential Electrical Service - thirty (30) days.
b) Multi-unit residential; business and commercial Electrical Services -
six (6) months.
c) Large commercial Electrical Service - twelve (12) months.
d) Availability of materials may prevent Nelson Hydro from meeting these
targets.
4.4.3. All Temporary Services and new single-phase residential Electrical
Services shall be 120/240 volt 3-wire.
4.4.4. Unless otherwise approved by Nelson Hydro, any new and upgraded non-
residential Electrical Services shall be provided as an Underground Service,
with the installation of ducts, foundations and pads built to the standards and
specifications of this bylaw. Unless otherwise approved by Nelson Hydro,
any Electrical Service greater than 200 Amperes must be an Underground
Service.
4.4.5. The electrical components, excluding conduit, of an Underground Service
or overhead service up to and including 200 Amperes shall be owned,
operated and maintained by Nelson Hydro to the Point of Connection. The
electrical components of Electrical Services greater than 200 Amperes shall
be owned, operated and maintained by the Customer. Maintenance must be
completed in co-ordination with the Nelson Hydro.
4.4.6. All Multi-unit Residential Premises must be serviced by one Point of
Delivery, which shall be placed in a location approved by Nelson Hydro and
as close to the point of supply as possible and not in an area where the
equipment could be exposed to dangerous or hazardous conditions.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
21
4.4.7. Nelson Hydro shall retain full ownership of all equipment and Facilities
installed and maintained by Nelson Hydro.
4.4.8. Any Facilities and equipment owned by the Customer and used to connect
to Nelson Hydro's system shall be approved by Nelson Hydro and installed
in a manner acceptable to Nelson Hydro.
4.4.9. The Customer must pay in advance the estimated costs for fees and
charges established in Schedule "D" or "E". The Customer will be invoiced
for any additional costs and expenses incurred by Nelson Hydro and must
pay for those costs and expenses in addition to paying the fees and charges
established in Schedule "D" or "E" if, upon completion of the project:
a) the extension of the Electrical Service is in excess of an overhead or
Underground Service;
b) the space for an overhead or Underground Service to the Customer's
Premises most convenient to Nelson Hydro is obstructed by the
Customer's property; or
c) facilities must be significantly upgraded to meet an increase in the
Customer's load.
4.4.10.
Nelson Hydro will not supply transformation from one secondary
Voltage to another secondary Voltage.
4.4.11.
Nelson Hydro reserves the right to determine the type of service,
transformation capacity and supply Voltage of all Electrical Service
connections.
4.4.12.
Nominal Secondary Supply Voltages are:
a) From pole mounted transformers:
i.
Single Phase - 120/240 volts, 3 wire, maximum 600 Amperes
Underground and 400 Amperes Overhead
ii.
Three Phase - 120/208 volts, 4 wire, maximum 300 kVA (3 x
100kVA) transformation capacity
iii. Three Phase - 347/600 volts, 4 wire, maximum 300kVA (3 x
100kVA) transformation capacity
b) From pad mounted transformers:
i.
Single Phase - 120/240 volts, 3 wire, maximum 600 Amperes
ii.
Three Phase - 120/208 volts, 4 wire, maximum 750 kVA
transformation capacity
iii. Three Phase - 347/600 volts, 4 wire, maximum 2,500 kVA
transformation capacity
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
22
c) Delta services are not permitted without prior approval. Customers who
have existing delta services are encouraged to consider alternate
designs and to remove these types of services completely. Nelson
Hydro may consider delta services for specific electrical configurations,
for large industrial applications, at their sole discretion.
d) For loads or supply voltages different from those listed in this section
(e.g. 277-480 volts), Nelson Hydro will require that a Customer supply
their own transformation Facilities and take service at the available
Primary Voltage; or supply their own secondary Voltage conversion
transformation.
e) All Facilities and equipment to be connected to Nelson Hydro's
Facilities must be in a condition that is approved by Nelson Hydro.
Installation must be carried out in a manner to ensure proper balancing
of phases and circuits, and to ensure that Nelson Hydro's equipment is
not endangered or that no abnormal Voltage fluctuations are caused.
f) All three-phase Customer loads must be designed to prevent the load
on the phase with the highest load exceeding that on the phase with
the lowest load by more than five (5%) percent.
4.4.13.
Customer owned electrical Facilities must not be extended across,
under or over a street, lane, alley or other public or private space not owned
by the Customer for the purpose of servicing more than one Premises
through one Meter.
4.4.14.
It is the Customer's sole responsibility to obtain any easements or
statutory rights of way required by Nelson Hydro or others, to permit the
installation of an Electrical Service.
4.5.
Pre-Payment for New or Upgraded Electrical Services, or Service Extensions
Pre-payment shall be required for any work performed by Nelson Hydro for a
new or upgraded Electrical Service application, as established in Schedule "D" or
"E", and the following conditions shall apply:
4.5.1. For Jobs Requiring Payment of Flat Fee
If the applicable flat fee is not received by Nelson Hydro in advance of the work
being done, the work will not proceed. Nelson Hydro reserves the right to add
any outstanding balance owing to the Customer's Billing account.
4.5.2. For Jobs Requiring Payment on Labour and Materials
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
23
a) The cost amount calculated for pre-payment shall be based on Nelson
Hydro's estimated cost of materials, labour and equipment to be
supplied by Nelson Hydro to upgrade or provide the Electrical Service.
b) The Customer shall pay in a format deemed acceptable by the Chief
Financial Officer and payment must be received in advance of the work
being done.
c) Pre-payments shall be held until the work has been completed by
Nelson Hydro and all costs of materials, labour and equipment have
been received and recorded by Nelson Hydro. Once the project is
complete, the costs will be reconciled against the pre-payment and any
difference from the estimate will be refunded or invoiced to the
Customer.
4.6.
Service Extensions
Service Extensions and upgrades shall be made on the principle that the party
causing the need for the extension or upgrade will pay for the cost of the
extension or upgrade. For clarity this means that a Customer or developer
needing an extension or upgrade to an Electrical Service on their property or on
a development will pay the cost of the distribution upgrades to provide the
Electrical Service to that property or development. Service Extensions shall be
provided by Nelson Hydro, its agents, or by the Customer's qualified contractor,
built to the standards of Nelson Hydro, and shall be subject to the following
conditions:
4.6.1. The Owner must pay for the costs of a Service Extension.
4.6.2. The Applicant must complete Nelson Hydro's Service Extension
Application form and supply Nelson Hydro with all relevant information,
including, but not limited to, all necessary easements, permits or licences of
occupation.
4.6.3. The Customer shall pay all fees required for a Service Extension as
outlined in Schedule "D" or "E".
4.6.4. Upon receipt of an application for a Service Extension, Nelson Hydro will
engineer and design the extension or review a plan for approval by Nelson
Hydro provided by a professional engineer retained by the Applicant
(hereinafter referred to as "the Design") and provide a quote of the
estimated costs (hereinafter referred to as "the Estimate"). Nelson Hydro, at
its sole discretion, may require a legal survey, at the Applicant's expense,
prior to commencing with any Design.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
24
4.6.5. The cost of preparing the Design, including the costs of any revisions to
the Design that are requested by the Applicant, shall be borne by the
Applicant and shall be paid to Nelson Hydro upon receipt of the Design.
Nelson Hydro may impose a one-time, non-refundable, Design deposit, as
established in Schedule "D" or "E". This deposit, payable by the Customer to
Nelson Hydro prior to any Design work, will be credited to the Service
Extension if the project proceeds. If the project does not proceed within one
year of application, the Customer's deposit shall be forfeited to Nelson
Hydro.
4.6.6. Nelson Hydro may require that the Customer, at the Customer's sole
expense, provide the Design. The Design must be completed by a
professional engineer with experience in electrical design and submitted for
review to Nelson Hydro in an electronic format approved by Nelson Hydro
prior to issuance for construction. After any required revisions or corrections
have been made by the Customers designer, the Design may be approved
for construction.
4.6.7. Service Extensions must be constructed in accordance with the Design
and any additional electrical distribution construction standards and material
specifications required by Nelson Hydro.
4.6.8. Prior to construction of the Service Extension, the Customer shall provide,
to the satisfaction of Nelson Hydro, a minimum three (3) meter statutory
right of way on either side of the power line, including access to the Service
Extension by vehicles.
4.6.9. Nelson Hydro shall determine the route or location of a Service Extension
having regard to Nelson Hydro's future line extension or System
development needs.
4.6.10.
The Applicant may select Nelson Hydro or a qualified contractor,
approved by Nelson Hydro to construct the Service Extension within the
properties owned by the Applicant to the design provided by Nelson Hydro
and the standards of this bylaw. Standard design and administration cost
apply.
4.6.11.
Where Nelson Hydro is to complete construction of the Service
Extension, prior to construction of a Service Extension, the Customer must
pay in advance the estimated costs of the work. Upon completion of the
project, the Customer will be invoiced for any outstanding amount owing or
issued a refund for any amount paid in excess of the actual cost.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
25
4.6.12.
When the Applicant selects an authorized contractor to construct
the Service Extension, the following conditions shall apply:
a) Prior to connection of the Extension to the Nelson Hydro's Distribution
System, the Applicant shall pay Nelson Hydro all costs of the
extension, including, but not limited to the costs and fees for design,
engineering, surveying, permits, connection and inspection of the
Service Extension.
b) Nelson Hydro may require a legal survey, at the Applicant's expense,
of such extensions prior to connecting the Service Extension to Nelson
Hydro's Distribution System.
4.6.13.
Nelson Hydro shall supply the transformer, if required, Electrical
Service conductor and metering equipment for a new Electrical Service as
part of the fixed fee connection charge as established in Schedule "D" or
"E".
4.6.14.
Service Extensions shall normally be constructed overhead, but
may be constructed underground where such construction is in accordance
with Nelson Hydro's Distribution System plans and subject to the following
conditions:
a) The Customer shall be responsible for all civil work including ducts,
foundations and pads associated with an underground Facility; and
b) The Facility shall be owned and maintained by Nelson Hydro.
4.6.15.
Nelson Hydro shall own and maintain the Service Extension
Facilities whether on public or private property.
4.6.16.
Nelson Hydro shall have the right to connect additional Customers
to a Service Extension, known as Line Sharing, subject to the following
conditions:
a) Line sharing applies to individual single-service residential Rural
Customers only under the jurisdiction of the BCUC. Line sharing
excludes multi-unit, multi-parcel, subdivisions, and commercial
properties or commercial Customers.
b) Additional Customers making applications for Electrical Service within
five (5) years of the first Customer shall pay a share of the Extension
Costs and any Administration Surcharge, without interest.
c) The new Customer's share of the cost of the Service Extension shall
be determined by calculating the value of the initial Service Extension,
and taking into account all other newly-attached Customers that have
connected to the extension since the first Customer.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
26
d) All Service Extension reimbursements from new Customers shall be
paid to Nelson Hydro prior to connection and shall be appropriately
shared among all existing Customers on the Service Extension line
that have contributed to the initial cost of the Service Extension.
4.7.
System Improvement
4.7.1. Customers requiring an Electrical Service greater than 200A may be
subject to System Improvement fees.
4.7.2. Customers requiring an Electrical Service 200A or less will not pay any
System Improvement fees if they are within 30m to the Point of Connection.
4.7.3. Nelson Hydro will charge Customers for System Improvements at actual
costs in addition to the fixed new electrical service connection fees as per
Schedules "D" and "E".
4.8.
Load Increase Notices
4.8.1. The Customer shall give Nelson Hydro reasonable written notice of any
load increase.
4.8.2. Nelson Hydro is not required to supply to any Customer electricity in
excess of that previously agreed to by Nelson Hydro.
4.8.3. The Customer may be required to pay the cost of any alterations or
upgrades to Nelson Hydro's Facilities necessary to provide the Customer
with increased load.
4.9.
Power Factor
Every Customer must regulate their load to maintain an average Power Factor of
not less than ninety (90%) percent. If the Power Factor of the Customer's load is
less than ninety (90%) percent, the Customer's Bill may be increased by an
adjustment for low Power Factor. Electrical Service shall not be provided to any
Customer whose load Power Factor is less than fifty (50%) percent.
4.9.1. The following surcharges shall be added to the Customer's Bill after the
rates or minimum charges have been calculated under the large commercial
rates outlined in Schedules "B" and "C".
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
27
Power Factor
Surcharge
Between 90% and 100%
Nil
Between 88% and 90%
2%
Between 85% and 88%
4%
Between 80% and 85%
9%
Between 75% and 80%
16%
Between 70% and 75%
24%
Between 65% and 70%
34%
Between 60% and 65%
44%
Between 55% and 60%
57%
Between 50% and 55%
72%
Less than 50%
90% and Electrical Service may
be disconnected
The above surcharges will remain in effect until Nelson Hydro is satisfied
that the Power Factor has been corrected.
4.10. Load Fluctuations
Every Customer must install and operate its motors, apparatus and other
electrical equipment in a manner that will not cause fluctuations to Nelson
Hydro's line voltage, or introduce any element into Nelson Hydro's system which,
in Nelson Hydro's opinion, disturbs or threatens to disturb its electrical system or
the property or Electrical Service of any other Customer.
Nelson Hydro may require the Customer, at the sole expense of the Customer, to
provide Voltage regulation equipment and controls if Voltage fluctuations are
equal to or greater than five (5) percent. Motor loads greater than 5HP (1Ph) and
20HP (3ph) will require a soft starter or Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). Nelson
Hydro may refuse to provide Electrical Service or may suspend Electrical Service
to the Customer until such equipment is provided.
4.11. Maximum Number of Electrical Services
Unless otherwise authorized by Nelson Hydro, the maximum number of Electrical
Services per legal property is one (1). Nelson Hydro, at its sole discretion, will
assess each situation and make recommendations based on voltage, size of the
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
28
property, number of buildings, etc... Each Meter base is to be labelled in a
permanent and legible manner to identify each service with a Ganged base.
4.11.1.
Nelson Hydro has the right to aggregate multiple meters on a single
legal property into a single Electrical Service, at its sole discretion, based on
operational, maintenance, electrical reliability, and system stability factors.
4.12. Un-metered Porch Lighting
Where un-metered porch lighting is found to be present, the Owner or Occupant
must arrange to transfer the porch light circuit to the load side of the Meter in
accordance with current Canadian Electrical Code regulations.
4.13. Electrical Service Maintenance Requests
If a Customer experiences an Electrical Service outage they may request a
service call by Nelson Hydro by phone.
4.13.1.
Nelson Hydro will respond to Customer routine service requests
during Nelson Hydro business hours, subject to resource availability and
operational priorities. If the Nelson Hydro technician determines that the
cause of the outage is on the Customer's side of the Point of Delivery, the
Customer will reimburse Nelson Hydro for the actual cost of the service call.
4.13.2.
If an emergency service call was completed outside of business
hours of Monday to Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm, a minimum call-out time of 2
hours may apply if the Nelson Hydro technician determines that the cause of
the outage is on the Customer's side of the Point of Delivery. If that is the
case, the Customer will reimburse Nelson Hydro for the actual cost of the
service call.
4.14. Solar Garden Program
For those Nelson Hydro Customers who "purchased" solar panels or have
received solar credits as a gift from one of the Nelson Community Solar Garden
participants as part of the Solar Garden Program, the following applies:
4.14.1.
Nelson Hydro will, starting in January of the current year, take the
total solar generation from the previous year and divide the credit to all
active accounts using the current electrical rate for each rate class. Credits
will be applied to each account by billing cycle within the first quarter of the
calendar year.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
29
4.14.2.
Nelson Hydro will, by customer request only, transfer or gift solar
credits to the account of the Customer's choice. An administrative fee will be
applied to transferring credits as per Schedule "D" or "E".
4.14.3.
It is the Customer's responsibility to notify Nelson Hydro upon
moving out of their Premises how to treat or dispose of their solar garden
credits. If no notification or instruction is provided, Nelson Hydro in its sole
discretion will apply unclaimed, unwanted, or forgotten solar garden credits
to the account(s) of their choosing.
4.14.4.
Nelson Hydro owns and is responsible for maintaining the solar
panels and the associated infrastructure as part of its asset management
program.
4.14.5.
The term of the Solar Garden Program is a period of 25 years from
the start date of the system, June 24, 2017, when it was fully operational.
The end date of the program will be June 24, 2042, or, at an earlier date at
the sole discretion of Nelson Hydro where it becomes operationally
uneconomic to maintain.
4.14.6.
Nelson Hydro is not currently accepting applications for new,
upgraded, or additional panels or membership within the Solar Garden
program.
PART 5 -
DISCONNECTION OF ELECTRICAL SERVICE
5.1.
Breach of Conditions
If the Nelson Hydro General Manager considers that a Customer, Owner or
Occupant of a Premises has contravened this bylaw, the Manager may, by
written notice, inform the person of the contravention, identifying the relevant
provisions of this bylaw and that unless the contravention is remedied and
compliance achieved within twenty-one (21) days from the date of the notice, the
City may discontinue the Electrical Service. A person subject to a notice under
this section may dispute the notice through the City of Nelson Administrative
Fairness process.
5.2.
Termination of Electrical Service by the Customer
If the Customer is relocating, or for any reason, no longer requires the Electrical
Service, the Customer shall notify the City at least three (3) business days prior
to the date the Electrical Service is no longer required or as otherwise provided in
this bylaw. Until the required notice of termination is received by the City, the
Customer shall continue to be responsible for the costs of all Electrical Services
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
30
supplied to the Premises unless or until the City receives an application for
Electrical Service from a new Customer for that Premises.
5.3.
Reconnection of Electrical Service
Electrical Service Reconnect fees will be as established in Schedule "D" or "E".
Any Electrical Service disconnected under the provisions of this bylaw shall not
be reconnected until the following conditions are met:
5.3.1. when the outstanding account has been paid in full, along with any
applicable security deposits, fees and charges owing as a result of the
disconnection and reconnection of the Electrical Service;
5.3.2. when the breach has been remedied to the satisfaction of the Nelson
Hydro General Manager or Council, as applicable, and any security
deposits, fees and charges for disconnection and reconnection of the
Electrical Service have been paid in full;
5.3.3. If an Electrical Service has been disconnected for any reason, Nelson
Hydro may require proof of Technical Safety BC approval prior to
reconnection of the Electrical Service at Nelson Hydro's sole discretion.
5.4.
Suspension of Supply
Despite any other provisions of this bylaw, Nelson Hydro may cause the supply
of electricity to any Customer to be suspended, without notice, if it considers that
any of the following conditions apply:
5.4.1. The Electrical Service at a Premises is hazardous or has the potential to
create an imminent hazard to life or property;
5.4.2. Repairs on or improvements to Nelson Hydro's Facilities must be made;
5.4.3. There is a shortage of supply of electrical energy;
5.4.4. Suspension is necessary in the circumstances of a storm, fire, flood or
other sudden emergency;
5.4.5. There appears to be fraudulent use of electricity and suspension is
warranted to protect Nelson Hydro's property or to protect Electrical
Services to other Customers; or
5.4.6. Nelson Hydro is ordered by another competent authority to suspend or
terminate an Electrical Service.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
31
5.5.
Non-Payment of Fees, Charges or Security Deposit
Subject to Section 7.10, Nelson Hydro may discontinue the supply of electricity to
a Customer for non-payment of any fee, charge or security deposit imposed
under the provisions of this bylaw.
PART 6 -
METERING AND METER READS
6.1.
Installation
Nelson Hydro will provide all electrical Meters necessary for measuring the
Customer's use of electricity provided by Nelson Hydro. The Meters shall remain
the property of Nelson Hydro and shall be maintained in accordance with the
requirements of Measurement Canada and Technical Safety BC. Nelson Hydro,
at its sole discretion subject to service descriptions in Schedules "B" and "C",
shall determine the type of Meter used.
6.1.1. Primary Metering: Electrical Services with primary Metering shall have a
primary Metering installation installed by Nelson Hydro and the entire cost of
such installation shall be paid by the Customer.
6.2.
Meter Location
6.2.1. All Meters shall be installed by Nelson Hydro, in a location approved by
Nelson Hydro. Meter location specifications shall be as follows:
a) The Customer shall provide and maintain an Electrical Service
entrance and Meter Socket location approved by Nelson Hydro.
b) The Meter Socket and conduit shall be surface mounted, located on an
outside wall and be within one meter of the corner nearest to the point
of supply, except in the case of Metering over 300 volts.
c) The Meter shall be installed on the supply side of the Customer
disconnect except in circumstances approved by Nelson Hydro.
d) All Meter locations shall be approved by Nelson Hydro.
e) All Meter sockets shall be installed between 1.5 meters and 2 meters
above final ground level to the center of the Meter.
f) Meters shall not be installed in carports, breezeways, on decks or
other similar areas that could potentially be enclosed, limit or restrict
accessibility.
g) Meters shall be installed in locations that permit safe and unfettered
access by employees or agents of Nelson Hydro.
h) Nelson Hydro, at its sole discretion, may make exceptions to the
general specifications for Meter installations, where a standard location
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
32
will cause design and installation difficulties, subject to the Meter
remaining accessible to Nelson Hydro at all times.
i) Nelson Hydro may require, at the Customer's expense, that the
Customer relocate any Meter that is located in an area that cannot be
conveniently accessed by Nelson Hydro at all times, or is considered
by Nelson Hydro to be unsafe.
j) For all Electrical Services in excess of 200 Amperes, the Customer
shall supply and install an enclosure (please refer to Nelson Hydro's
Service and Metering Guide for specifications) for current and potential
transformers and the design of the enclosure shall first be approved by
Nelson Hydro.
k) Primary Voltage Metering connections shall have Metering installations
paid for by the Customer.
l) Nelson Hydro may refuse connection of any Electrical Service built in a
location not approved by Nelson Hydro, or not built to Nelson Hydro
standards.
6.3.
Customer Meters
All Meters after the Point of Delivery (known as sub-metering) are the Customer's
responsibility. These meters must be compliant with Technical Safety BC and
Measurement Canada requirements. A person must not re-meter or sub-meter
for the purposes of selling electricity from a Nelson Hydro Electrical Service to
others, unless:
6.3.1. The Customer is charging a Tenant for electricity provided on the
Customer's Premises and is charging the same price for the Electrical
Service as Nelson Hydro charges the Customer.
6.4.
Protection of Metering Equipment
The Customer shall exercise all reasonable diligence to protect Nelson Hydro's
Metering equipment from damage or defacement and shall be responsible for
any costs of repair or cleaning resulting from defacement or damage of the
equipment unless caused by Nelson Hydro's employees or agents.
6.5.
Meter Connections
Nelson Hydro or its agents shall perform all connections and disconnections of
Electrical Service and installation and repair of Nelson Hydro Metering
equipment. All Meters installed by Nelson Hydro shall be sealed. No person shall
break the seals or otherwise damage, tamper or interfere with the Meter, its
wiring, or related equipment as property of Nelson Hydro.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
33
6.6.
Meter Testing
6.6.1. Nelson Hydro will test a Meter for accuracy in, the following
circumstances:
a) The Customer has made a request for a Meter test in writing; and
b) The Customer has paid the required fee for a Meter test as established
in Schedule "D" or "E".
6.6.2. Upon receipt of a request for a Meter test, Nelson Hydro will endeavour to:
a) remove the Meter within ten business (10) days; and
b) apply to an accredited Meter shop approved by Measurement Canada
to have the Meter tested.
6.6.3. After obtaining the results of a Meter test, Nelson Hydro shall advise the
Customer of the test results and:
a) If the Meter fails to meet the current Metering standards the Meter test
fee shall be refunded; and
b) If the Meter fails to meet the allowable limits as set by the Federal
Weights and Measures Act, Nelson Hydro shall adjust the Customer's
previous bills in accordance with the Federal Electricity and Gas
Inspection Act.
6.7.
Demand Metering
Nelson Hydro may charge a Customer Demand as established in Schedules "B"
and "C", and may install a Meter that measures Demand for any Electrical
Service it deems necessary based on:
a) the Customer's load requirements;
b) Nelson Hydro's estimate of Consumption; or
c) the previous Consumption used at the Premises.
6.8.
Un-metered Electrical Service
Nelson Hydro may permit an un-metered Electrical Service if, to the satisfaction
of Nelson Hydro, the energy used can be estimated based on the Connected
Load and hours of use. Any Customer served under this provision must promptly
advise Nelson Hydro of any changes in load or hours of use. Nelson Hydro
reserves the right to change un-metered services to metered services at its sole
discretion.
6.9.
Meter Reading Schedules and Frequency
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
34
Meters will be read at the end of each Billing Period (Monthly or Bi-Monthly) as
specified in Schedules "B" and "C". Nelson Hydro will read each Meter as close
to the same day of the Billing Period as practicable.
6.10. Estimates of Meter Readings
If, for any reason, Nelson Hydro does not obtain a Meter reading, for billing
purposes, it may estimate the Customer's Meter reading by using historical
Consumption information from its records.
6.11. Record of Meter Readings
Nelson Hydro will keep a record of all Meter readings which shall form the basis
for determination of all amounts charged to the Customer for Electrical Service.
6.12. Removal of Meter and Equipment
Nelson Hydro reserves the right to remove its property (meters, overhead lines,
etc) from Premises that have an inactive account for more than 6 months.
PART 7 -
BILLING AND COLLECTIONS
7.1.
Rates for Electricity
7.1.1. The Customer shall pay for Electrical Service in accordance with the
Customer's applicable rate as specified in Schedules "B" and "C" and other
rates specified in this bylaw.
7.1.2. Nelson Hydro reserves the right to assign a Customer's rate class and
change an existing Customer's rate class based on the Customer's
Consumption.
7.2.
Changes in Rates
If the rates charged to the Customer for Electrical Service change and the
effective date of the change falls between two consecutive Meter readings,
Nelson Hydro will calculate the Bill on a prorated basis.
7.3.
Payments for Electrical Service
Nelson Hydro will prepare Bills and will mail, e-mail or otherwise deliver them to
the Customer for Electrical Services supplied. Once Bills are issued, the following
conditions apply to the Customer for payment:
7.3.1. All accounts are due and payable within thirty (30) days of the Billing Date
indicated on the Bill.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
35
7.3.2. Any balance due that remains outstanding on an account after thirty (30)
days from the Billing Date shall be considered overdue and a late-payment
penalty shall be added to the account. See Section 7.9.3.
7.3.3. A dispute over the accuracy of a Meter reading or an estimated Meter
reading shall not permit or excuse a Customer from the requirements for
payment of a Bill or any other requirements under this bylaw.
7.3.4. Any balance due that remains unpaid after thirty (30) days from the Billing
Date shall be subject to the collection procedures established in Section 7.9.
7.4.
Prorated Billings
Nelson Hydro will prorate the minimum charges as outlined in Schedules "B" and
"C" as follows:
7.4.1. For a Billing Period Monthly, billings for fifteen (15) days or less shall be
one-half the minimum charge; or
7.4.2. For a Billing Period Bi-Monthly, billings for thirty (30) days or less shall be
one-half the minimum charge.
7.5.
Sales Taxes or Other Assessments
The Customer, in addition to any payments for Electrical Service, shall pay to
Nelson Hydro the amount of any sales taxes, other taxes, assessments or levies
required by a Taxing Authority on any Electrical Service delivered to the
Customer by Nelson Hydro.
7.6.
Unpaid Balances, Fees or Charges
7.6.1. Where there is an unpaid balance past due on a property owner's closed
account and an active account exists under the same name, Nelson Hydro
will transfer the outstanding amount to the active account.
7.6.2. Where any unpaid balances, fees or charges are added to the property
taxes they shall thereafter accrue interest and be recoverable in the same
manner as outstanding property taxes.
7.7.
Security Deposits
7.7.1. Security deposits will be required for new Electrical Services at time of
move in when the Customer does not own the property for which Electrical
Service is requested.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
36
7.7.2. The security deposit requirement is waived if the Owner of the property
provides a signed letter of consent that guarantees the expenses on their
Tenant's Nelson Hydro account.
7.7.3. The minimum security deposit where such deposit is required shall be:
a) Three (3) times the average Monthly Billing that occurred over the past
year for the Premises, or
b) When a Premise does not have electrical consumption history, the fee
indicated in Schedule "D" or "E" shall apply.
7.7.4. For a new Electrical Service, Nelson Hydro will estimate the security
deposit based on the average Monthly Billing for similar Premises with the
same electrical load.
7.7.5. The Customer shall have the option of paying the security deposit via cash
or credit card. Any other payment options presented by the Customer must
have prior approval from Nelson Hydro.
7.7.6. Security deposits shall be held while the account is active and shall be
refunded upon discontinuance of Electrical Service, in which case the
security deposit will be applied to the final Billing, and any credit remaining
will be refunded to the Customer.
7.7.7. Part or all of a Customer's security deposit will be applied towards an
unpaid balance at the time of move out or when the account is closed.
7.8.
Interest on Security Deposits
7.8.1. Simple interest shall be paid to the Customer on all security deposits
collected at a rate of 2% below the prime rate established by the Bank of
Canada as on the day the interest is being paid. The interest, so calculated
shall be credited to the Customer's Billing account.
7.8.2. Interest is posted monthly to the Customer's account as a credit against
their current balance.
7.9.
Collection Procedures for Non-Payment
7.9.1. All Bills are due thirty (30) days after the Billing Date indicated on the Bill
(hereinafter referred to as "the Due Date").
7.9.2. The Customer is responsible for ensuring that Bill payments are received
by Nelson Hydro by the Due Date specified on the Billing.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
37
7.9.3. Accounts unpaid after the due date shall be subject to a penalty of 5% of
the current balance, which shall become part of the unpaid balance due.
7.9.4. For active Electrical Services, Nelson Hydro may commence
disconnection procedures for any account that remains unpaid for more than
seven (7) days after the Due Date.
7.9.5. For terminated Electrical Services, if the final Billing remains unpaid after
the Due Date, the Chief Financial Officer may collect any unpaid amount by:
a) Arranging for a collection agency to recover the amount owing;
b) Adding the unpaid balance to the property taxes, as arrears, if unpaid
on December 31; and
c) Take any other legal action the Chief Financial Officer deems
reasonable or necessary in the circumstances.
7.10. Vacant Tenant Account Transfers
Where an account held by a tenant is vacant for more than 30 days, it will be
transferred into the Owner's name.
7.11. Disconnection Procedures for Non-Payment
7.11.1.
It is the responsibility of the Customer to ensure that their contact
information with Nelson Hydro is current. Nelson Hydro will use the most
recent contact information on file to inform the Customer of any disconnect
procedures. Any notices provided to the contact points on file will be
deemed as notice delivered to the Customer.
7.11.2.
Upon disconnecting an Electrical Service, Nelson Hydro will leave a
notice on the Premises advising that the Electrical Service has been
disconnected and providing contact information for communicating with
Nelson Hydro regarding the Electrical Service.
7.11.3.
Nelson Hydro shall notify the Customer in writing and by phone (if
the contact information is current) that the bill is past due and that they are
subject to disconnection.
7.11.4.
Should the Customer not respond with acceptable payment
arrangements, Nelson Hydro may commence disconnect or may install a
load limiting device to restrict the amount of electricity available to the
Premises.
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
38
7.11.5.
Any Electrical Service, once disconnected, shall not be
reconnected until the outstanding charges, the connection charge and other
fees are paid.
7.12. EcoSave Energy Retrofit Program
7.12.1.
The City of Nelson supports strategies to reduce energy use and
carbon emissions, including the establishment of an energy retrofitting
program know as the EcoSave Energy Retrofits Program.
7.12.2.
The program is available to Customers within the service area of
Nelson Hydro. The on-bill financing component of the program services is
only available to those Customers who are also Owners.
7.12.3.
Details of the program are contained in the City of Nelson Bylaw
3235, 2012.
PART 8 -
INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITIES
8.1.
The Customer shall indemnify Nelson Hydro for all costs, damages, or losses
arising from the Customer exceeding its Demand limit, including without
limitation, direct or consequential costs, damages or losses arising from any
penalty incurred by Nelson Hydro for exceeding its Demand limit with Nelson
Hydro's suppliers of electricity.
8.2.
Nelson Hydro will endeavour to provide a regular and uninterrupted supply of
electricity but it does not guarantee a constant supply of electricity or the
maintenance of unvaried frequency or Voltage and is not responsible for any loss
of profit, loss of revenues or other economic loss, injury, damage or expense
caused by or resulting from any interruption, termination, failure or defect in the
supply of electricity, whether caused by Nelson Hydro, its servants or agents, or
otherwise.
8.3.
Electrical Services under this bylaw may sometimes be provided by Nelson
Hydro via property and Electrical Services provided by or shared with other
communication and electric utility providers. It is a condition of service that any
loss or damages, direct or indirect, which may be due to any interruption in or
failure to provide Electrical Service are not recoverable from Nelson Hydro.
8.4.
The Customer shall indemnify Nelson Hydro for all costs, damages, or losses
arising from electrical fire, gas fire, or other damaging sources as a result of
connecting or reconnecting an Electrical Service, including without limitation,
direct or consequential costs, damages or losses arising from home occupier
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
39
negligence (example leaving flammables near the stove) and other
circumstances beyond the control of the utility.
8.5.
The Customer shall indemnify Nelson Hydro for all inaccuracies and non-
compliance with Technical Safety BC and Measurement Canada requirements
for their electrical infrastructure beyond the Nelson Hydro Point of Delivery.
PART 9 -
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Decisions made by City employees are subject to a fair and efficient review pursuant to
the procedures set out in the City of Nelson Administrative Fairness Policy.
PART 10 - SEVERABILITY
If a portion of this bylaw is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the
invalid portion must be severed and the remainder of this bylaw is deemed to have been
adopted without the severed section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, clause or
phrase.
PART 11 - REPEAL
The Corporation of the City of Nelson "Nelson Hydro Services Bylaw No. 3196, 2012"
together with all amendments thereto, is hereby repealed effective January 1, 2025.
PART 12 - CITATION
This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "Corporation of the City of Nelson
Hydro Services Bylaw No. 3608" and shall come into force and effect on January 1,
2025.
READ A FIRST TIME the 2nd day of July, 2024
READ A SECOND TIME the 2nd day of July, 2024
READ A THIRD TIME the 2nd day of July, 2024
RECEIVED the approval of the British Columbia Utilities Commission on the
15th, October 2024 per Order G-259-24.
FINALLY PASSED AND ADOPTED the 5th day of the month of November,
2024.
Mayor
Corporate Officer
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
40
SCHEDULE "A" - NELSON HYDRO SERVICE AREA
October 15, 2024
G-259-24
October 21, 2024
39
SCHEDULE "B" - URBAN SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
A1: Residential Rate Urban
Service Description
-
Applicable to Urban Customers
-
Applicable to residential or domestic use
Rate Description
Energy Charge
Billing Period:
Bi-Monthly
Basic Charge:
$18.80 per Period
All kWh per Period: $0.1218 per kWh
Demand Charge
First 20 kW:
nil
Each additional kW greater than 20 kW per Period is $8.53 per kW
Minimum Charge
The minimum charge per period shall be $18.80
40
SCHEDULE "B" - URBAN SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
B1: Small Commercial Rate Urban
Service Description
- Applicable to Urban Customers owning small businesses
- Applicable to small non-residential Customers of loads up to 25 KVA where no
Demand Meter is installed
Rate Description
Energy Charge
Billing Period:
Bi-Monthly
Basic Charge:
$43.07 per Period
All kWh per Period: $0.1389 per kWh
Minimum Charge
The minimum charge per period shall be $43.07
Power Factor
Surcharge percentages may apply as per Section 4.10
41
SCHEDULE "B" - URBAN SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
C1: Large Commercial Rate Urban
Service Description
-
Applicable to Urban Customers
-
Applicable to Customers of loads greater than 25 kVA
Rate Description
Energy Charge
Billing Period:
Monthly
Basic Charge:
$43.07 per Period
First 15,000 kWh
$0.1243 per kWh
>15,000 kWh:
$0.1243 per kWh
Demand Charge
>25 kVA:
$9.12 per kVA
Minimum Charge
The minimum charge per period shall be the greater of:
a) $43.07 per Period, or
b) the Demand Charge
Billing Demand
The greatest of:
a) The maximum Demand in KVA the current billing month, or
b) Seventy-five percent (75%) of the maximum Demand in KVA registered during the
months in the previous eleven-month period
Discounts
a) If service under this rate is metered at Primary Voltage, a metering discount of 1.5% shall
apply.
b) If the Customer supplies the necessary step-down transformers and transmission line
Voltage protective equipment and installs the same on his Premises, a further discount of
$0.7485 per KVA of Billing of Demand shall apply.
Power Factor
a) Surcharge percentages may apply as per Section 4.9
42
SCHEDULE "B" - URBAN SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
E1: City of Nelson Service Rate
Service Description
- Applicable for all City of Nelson (company) accounts and City of Nelson Facilities
operated for the benefit of the public for electrical consumption billed bi-monthly and
monthly.
Rate Description
Energy Charge
Billing Period:
Monthly and Bi-Monthly
All kWh per Period: $0.1171 per kWh
43
SCHEDULE "B" - URBAN SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
EV1: Electrical Vehicle Charging Station Urban
Service Description
-
Applicable to Charging Stations owned by the City and managed by third parties.
-
Rates do not include parking fees. Customers will pay for these fees separately.
Rate Description
Level 2 Station (30A)
$0.033 per minute
44
SCHEDULE "B" - URBAN SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
F1: Commercial Flat Service Rate Urban
Service Description
- Applicable to Urban Customers
- Applicable to Commercial Utilities with usage of energy estimated to be less than
400 kWh per Billing Period.
Rate Description
Energy Charge
Billing Period:
Bi-Monthly
Basic Charge:
$64.89 per Period
45
SCHEDULE "B" - URBAN SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
G-3: Street or Outdoor Lighting Urban
Service Description
- Applicable to Urban Customers where Nelson Hydro owns, installs and maintains the
lamps.
- Applicable only to high-intensity distribution lamps as approved by Nelson Hydro.
- A surcharge of $10.24 per Month will apply if Nelson Hydro installs a pole for the above
lighting.
- For fixtures with lamp rates different from those above, the Monthly rate shall be 1.5%
of the installed cost of the fixtures plus $0.0321 per Watt of the rating of the lamp and
ballast.
- Maintenance will be conducted by Nelson Hydro crews during regular working hours.
The Customer will be responsible for any willful damage caused by any person or
thing.
- The original term of the contract shall be for three years from the date of the first year
of billing until terminated by written notice by Nelson Hydro or the Customer.
Rate Description
Lamp Size (HPS)
Monthly Charge ($)
150W
$26.48
250W
$33.17
Lamp Size (LED)
Monthly Charge ($)
40
$21.61
50
$21.92
70
$22.55
85
$23.02
100
$23.49
46
SCHEDULE "B" - URBAN SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
M1: Manual Meter Reading Urban
Service Description
-
Applicable to Urban Residential Customers
-
An optional service is offered to those Customers who prefer not to have a radio
read Meter at their service entrance. A digital non-radio read Meter will be installed
as an alternative to the standard digital radio read Meter.
-
The Customer will be required to pay a one-time Setup Charge. For each billing
cycle thereafter, the Customer will be required to pay a Manual Read Charge along
with the regular residential service rates applicable under rate A-1 or A-3 of this
bylaw.
-
This service may be discontinued if it is not compatible with the technology,
practices, procedures, or capacity of Nelson Hydro.
Rate Description
Set-Up Charge
Period:
One-Time
Charge:
$209.83 per Meter
Manual Read Charge
Period:
Billing Cycle
Charge:
$28.94 per Period
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
49
SCHEDULE "C" - RURAL SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
A3: Residential Rate Rural
Service Description
-
Applicable to Rural Customers
-
Applicable to residential or domestic use
Rate Description
Energy Charge
Billing Period:
Bi-Monthly
Basic Charge:
$20.05 per Period
All kWh per Period: $0.1299 per kWh
Demand Charge
First 20 kW:
nil
Each additional kW greater than 20 kW per Period is $9.10 per kW
Minimum Charge
The minimum charge per period shall be $20.05
G-259-24
October 15, 2024
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
50
SCHEDULE "C" - RURAL SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
B4: Small Commercial Services Rate Rural
Service Description
- Applicable to Rural Customers owning small businesses
- Applicable to small non-residential Customers of loads up to 25 kVA where no
Demand Meter is installed
Rate Description
Energy Charge
Billing Period:
Bi-Monthly
Basic Charge:
$43.07 per Period
All kWh per Period: $0.1525 per kWh
Minimum Charge
The minimum charge per period shall be $47.35
Power Factor
Surcharge percentages may apply as per Section 4.9
N
G-259-24
October 15, 2024
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
51
SCHEDULE "C" - RURAL SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
C4: Large Commercial Rate Rural
Service Description
-
Applicable to Rural Customers
-
Applicable to Customers of loads greater than 25 kVA
Rate Description
Energy Charge
Billing Period:
Monthly
Basic Charge:
$47.35 per Period
First 15,000 kWh
$0.1367 per kWh
>15,000 kWh:
$0.1367 per kWh
Demand Charge
>25 kVA:
$10.03 per kVA
Minimum Charge
The minimum charge per period shall be the greater of:
a) $47.35 per Period, or
b) the Demand Charge
Billing Demand
The greatest of:
a) The maximum Demand in kVA the current billing month, or
b) Seventy-five percent (75%) of the maximum Demand in kVA registered during the
months in the previous eleven-month period
Discounts
a) If service under this rate is metered at Primary Voltage, a metering discount of 1.5% shall
apply.
b) If the Customer supplies the necessary step-down transformers and transmission line
Voltage protective equipment and installs the same on his Premises, a further discount of
$0.7982 per kVA of Billing of Demand shall apply.
Power Factor
a) Surcharge percentages may apply as per Section 4.9
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G-259-24
October 15, 2024
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
52
SCHEDULE "C" - RURAL SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
F2: Commercial Flat Service Rate Rural
Service Description
-
Applicable to Rural Customers
-
Applicable to Commercial Utilities with usage of energy estimated to be less than
400 kWh per Billing Period.
Rate Description
Energy Charge
Billing Period:
Bi-Monthly
Basic Charge:
$76.56 per Period
G-259-24
October 15, 2024
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
53
SCHEDULE "C" - RURAL SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
G-4: Street or Outdoor Lighting Rural
Service Description
- Applicable to Rural Customers where Nelson Hydro owns, installs and maintains the
lamps.
- Applicable only to high-intensity distribution lamps as approved by Nelson Hydro.
- A surcharge of $10.92 per Month will apply if Nelson Hydro installs a pole for the above
lighting.
- For fixtures with lamp rates different from those below, the Monthly rate shall be 1.5%
of the installed cost of the fixtures plus $0.0405 per Watt of the rating of the lamp and
ballast.
- Maintenance will be conducted by Nelson Hydro crews during regular working hours.
The Customer will be responsible for any willful damage caused by any person or
thing.
- The original term of the contract shall be for three years and may be renewed for
periods of one year until terminated by written notice of at least 30 days by Nelson
Hydro or the Customer.
Rate Description
Lamp Size (HPS)
Monthly Charge ($)
150W
$31.05
250W
$38.86
Lamp Size (LED)
Monthly Charge ($)
40W
$23.05
50W
$23.39
70W
$24.06
85W
$24.55
100W
$25.05
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G-259-24
October 15, 2024
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
54
SCHEDULE "C" - RURAL SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS AND RATES
M2: Manual Meter Reading Rural
Service Description
-
Applicable to Rural Residential Customers
-
An optional service is offered to those Customers who prefer not to have a radio
read Meter at their service entrance. A digital non-radio read Meter will be installed
as an alternative to the standard digital radio read Meter.
-
The Customer will be required to pay a one-time Setup Charge. For each billing
cycle thereafter, the Customer will be required to pay a Manual Read Charge along
with the regular residential service rates applicable under this bylaw.
-
This service may be discontinued if it is not compatible with the technology,
practices, procedures, or capacity of Nelson Hydro.
Rate Description
Set-Up Charge
Period:
One-Time
Charge:
$223.78 per Meter
Manual Read Charge
Period:
Billing Cycle
Charge:
$30.86 per Period
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G-259-24
October 15, 2024
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
55
SCHEDULE "D" - RURAL CONNECTION FEES AND OTHER CHARGES
Included in the fees are operational costs for labour, materials, vehicles, and travel time
where fieldwork is required. Where fieldwork is not required, only office staff time is charged.
Billing & Collections
Service Description
Cost
Data Request
for customers who request account data beyond what the online
portal provides. This charge is per account.
$23
Solar Garden Account Change
for customers who make changes to their account.
$25
Move-In Connection
(includes read and account activation)
$90
Security Deposit
When a Premise does not have consumption history, as indicated
in Section 7.7.3, the deposit shall be calculated as the average
consumption of a typical residential customer (1000kWh) within a
month using the current rate.
$130
Existing Meters & Meter Readings
Service Description
Cost
Meter Reconnection During Business Hours
(Single trip. Includes meter and account reactivation)
$133
Meter Reconnection After Hours
(overtime rates apply)
Actual Cost
Meter Inspection Fee
$205
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G-259-24
October 15, 2024
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
56
Customer requests to have their meter inspected. This charge will
be credited back to the customer account if a problem is found.
Meter Dispute Test
Customer requests to have their Meter sent to a third-party
accredited meter shop for testing. This charge will be credited
back to the customer account if a problem is found.
$365
Statutory Rights of Way Documents
Service Description
Cost
Blanket Status
(right of way covers entire parcel)
$181
Blanket with Defined Area
(metes and bounds description or sketch plan)
$326
Legal Survey
(survey to be supplied by customer)
$460
Proof of Notification
(Administration fee for properties in the Agricultural Land Reserve)
$89
Disconnect and Reconnect of an Existing Electrical Service
Service Description
Cost
Service Alterations with 2 Line Crew During Business Hours
(Single Trip)
$442
Service Alterations with 2 Line Crew During Business Hours
(Follow-up Trip)
$300
Electrical Call-Outs for Reconnections or Trouble After Hours
(overtime rates apply, can take multiple trips)
Actual Cost
A
A
A
A
N
A
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G-259-24
October 15, 2024
October 21, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
57
Extensions of an Existing Electrical Service
Service Description
Cost
Design Deposit
-
Will be credited to the project if it proceeds.
-
Deposit does not include other additional fees and the
Customer will be billed for actuals.
-
If the project requires surveying or engineering, Customers will
be billed for these separately.
-
Unused portions of the deposit will be refunded.
$1,000
Design or Re-Design ($/hr)
$85/hr
Administration Surcharge
10% of the total cost
New Electrical Service Connection or Major Upgrade
Service Description
Single Phase
Three Phase
120-240V
120-208V
347-600V
≤ 200amp Overhead or Subdivision
$900
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
≤ 200amp Underground
$1,430
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
320amp Overhead or Subdivision
$1,300
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
320amp Underground
$1,830
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
400amp Overhead or Subdivision
$1,900
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
400amp Underground Dip
$2,430
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
600amp Underground
Actual Cost
800amp Underground
Actual Cost
1000amp Underground
Actual Cost
1200amp Underground
Actual Cost
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G-259-24
October 15, 2024
Order No.
Issued by: The Corporation of the City of Nelson
Effective Date:
Accepted for Filing:
Commission Secretary:
58
Service Description
Single Phase
Three Phase
120-240V
120-208V
347-600V
Underground Incentive Credit
-$400
Temporary Construction Service
-
If there is existing electrical
infrastructure present at the site then
the residential fixed fee applies
-
If there is no existing electrical
infrastructure present at the site then
the residential fixed fee does not
apply and the Customer will pay the
actual cost.
$300
Actual
Actual
New Meter Install <5 Meters
(Single Trip)
$250
$308
$566
New Meter Install ≥ 5 Meters
Actual Cost
> 320amp Meter Wiring
Actual Cost
System Improvement
Actual Cost
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G-259-24
October 15, 2024
October 21, 2024
57
SCHEDULE "E" - URBAN CONNECTION FEES AND OTHER CHARGES
Service Description
Cost
Data Request
for Customers who request account data beyond what the online
portal provides. This charge is per account.
$23
Solar Garden Account Change
for Customers who make changes to their account.
$25
Move-In Connection Fee
(includes read and account activation)
$67
Security Deposit
When a Premise does not have consumption history, as indicated
in Section 7.7.3, the deposit shall be calculated as the average
consumption of a typical residential customer (1000kWh) within a
month using the current rate.
$122
Existing Meters & Meter Readings
Service Description
Cost
Meter Reconnection During Business Hours
(Single trip. Includes meter and account reactivation)
$78
Meter Reconnection After Hours
(overtime rates apply)
Actual Cost
Meter Inspection Fee
Customer requests to have their meter inspected. This charge will
be credited back to the customer account if a problem is found.
$149
58
Meter Dispute Test
Meter is sent to a third-party accredited meter shop for testing.
This charge will be credited back to the customer account if a
problem is found.
$310
Statutory Rights of Way Documents
Service Description
Cost
Blanket Status
(right of way covers entire parcel)
$188
Blanket with Defined Area
(metes and bounds description or sketch plan)
$215
Legal Survey
(survey to be supplied by customer)
$460
Disconnect and Reconnect of an Existing Electrical Service
Service Description
Cost
Service Alterations with 2 Line Crew During Business Hours
(Single Trip)
$689
Service Alterations with 2 Line Crew During Business Hours
(Follow-Up Trip)
Electrical Call-Outs for Reconnections or Trouble After Hours
(overtime rates apply, can take multiple trips)
Actual Cost
Extensions of an Existing Electrical Service
Service Description
Cost
Design Deposit
-
Will be credited to the project if it proceeds within 1 year of the
application date.
$1,000
59
-
Deposit does not include other additional fees and the
Customer will be billed for actuals.
-
If the project requires surveying or engineering fees, the
Customer will be billed for these separately.
-
Unused portions of the deposit will be refunded.
Design or Re-Design ($/hr)
$85/hr
Administration Surcharge
10% of the total cost
New Electrical Service Connection or Major Upgrade
Service Description
Single Phase
Three Phase
120-240V
120-208V
347-600V
≤200amp Overhead or Subdivision
$700
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
≤200amp Underground
$1,230
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
320amp Overhead or Subdivision
$1,300
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
320amp Underground
$1,830
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
400amp Overhead or Subdivision
$1,700
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
400amp Underground Dip
$2,230
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
600amp Underground
Actual Cost
800amp Underground
Actual Cost
1000amp Underground
Actual Cost
1200amp Underground
Actual Cost
Underground Incentive Credit
-$400
60
Service Description
Single Phase
Three Phase
120-240V
120-208V
347-600V
Temporary Construction Service
-
If there is existing electrical
infrastructure present at the site than
the residential fixed fee applies
-
If there is no existing electrical
infrastructure present at the site than
the residential fixed fee does not
apply and the Customer will pay
actual cost.
$250
Actual
Actual
New Meter Install <5 Meters
(single trip)
$140
$198
$456
New Meter Install ≥ 5 Meters
Actual Cost
> 320amp Meter Wiring
Actual Cost
System Improvement
Actual Cost