FortisBC commits to ‘safe, affordable’ energy in new long-term plan

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — FortisBC has outlined its plans to meet the energy demand and requirements of customers in a new 24-year plan, while adapting to changes in the industry. 

On March 27th, 2026, FortisBC released a Long-Term Gas Resource Plan (LTGRP) which involves forecasting and planning leading up to 2050, amid constrained regional energy networks, evolving technology and policy uncertainty. 

FortisBC said the plan will focus on: 

• Providing customers with safe, affordable, reliable and resilient energy.

• Developing adequate and cost-effective demand-side management initiatives, including lower-carbon solutions. 
• Addressing prior British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) directives and requests, while ensuring consistency with provincial energy objectives. 

In the plan, FortisBC has used predictions about future demand for natural gas to guide its decision-making options. For example, it forecast the beginning of Woodfibre Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project’s operations in 2028 will contribute a substantial increase in annual demand.

According to investfortstjohn.ca, northeast BC accounts for 93 per cent of natural gas deposits in the province, which is then transported to LNG facilities such as Woodfibre LNG. 

FortisBC also says the company will be focused on supporting energy conservation programs to save customers money, investing in gas and electricity programs, ensuring reliability and advancing provincial climate action goals. 

The plan will also focus on ensuring FortisBC meets the energy needs of customers in the future, the company said. 

More information can be found in the plan. 

Residents of British Columbia who wish to share their opinions can do so by submitting a letter of comment or by requesting intervener status. 

The deadline for requesting intervener status is April 30th, while the deadline for submitting a letter of comment is August 27th.

FortisBC covers much of British Columbia, including Fort Nelson, Hudson’s Hope, Mackenzie and Prince George.