FortisBC moves away from time-based rates at electric vehicle charging stations
Drivers of electric vehicles using FortisBC charging stations will no longer pay per minute beginning Aug. 1.
Now in line with other charging services in the province, FortisBC has been given permission by the BC Utilities Commission to move from time-based rates to energy-based rates, meaning drivers using FortisBC stations will now be charged only for the amount of electricity they actually use.
“Using energy-based rates ensures that all drivers pay the same rate for the electricity they use regardless of charging speed,” George Thompson with FortisBC said in a media release. “Supporting customers who are choosing low- and zero-carbon options for transportation is one of the ways FortisBC is helping to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions in our province.”
Drivers will now pay $0.39 per kilowatt hour at all 22 FortisBC locations.
For vehicles that have finished charging and idle for more than five minutes, the utilities commission decision gives the company the option in the future to charge $0.40 for idling in the time other drivers could be utilizing the stations.
FortisBC currently owns and operates 42 high powered 50 and 100 kilowatt charging station machines across southern BC at 22 sites.
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