Deregulated Natural Gas Prices for Your Home

We don't currently have any deregulated natural gas price offers for mainland BC.

Gas Deregulation in BC

Natural gas was deregulated for most homeowners in British Columbia as of May 1, 2007. This customer choice allows customers to choose their natural gas suppliers. Gas will still be delivered to customer's homes by Fortis. Customers can choose to receive gas at the Fortis variable rate or to sign with a gas marketer for a fixed price contract. Signing a contract with gas supplier does not put your supply of gas at risk.

Regulated Terasen Gas Rate

Who in BC has choice?

Most consumers have the choice to buy from a deregulated natural gas supplier if you are in BC. Some areas are not deregulated, including Vancouver Island, Whistler, Revelstoke, Ft Nelson and the Sunshine Coast. If you are supplied by a rural gas co-operative, you do not have that choice unless you are a business (non farm) customer and use more than 10,000 GJ of natural gas per year. Municipally owned natural gas companies have the option of offering choice to consumers, but are not required to do so.

Regulated rates are not fixed rates, nor can they be

In BC, the BC Utilities Commission regulates utility rates. Utilities can and do apply changes to rates retroactively! They do this if they have not collected enough to cover their costs for a previous period. They add a rate surcharge to recover that deficit. By signing up with an energy marketer you can avoid these unexpected rate changes. A fixed price offer may be a better fit for your situation.

See the current natural gas price forecast.

Comparing and deciding among the various offers

In the new deregulated industry, buying natural gas is like getting a mortgage. You can choose between contract terms between 1 and 5 years. You can choose to lock in for a long period at a fixed rate, or choose totally variable rates and take your chances that rates won't go through the roof. This decision depends on your budget, and what you expect gas prices to do over the next few years.

You may cancel a contract that you sign within 10 days of receiving a copy of that contract.

What's included in retail gas prices

If you choose to buy from a gas marketer, your gas service won't change. You will still get a bill from Fortis which will indicate a regulated Delivery Charge that goes to the utility, and a Gas Supply Charge - the remaining 80% - that goes to the gas marketer you chose. If you also have rental equipment or a service contract, these will appear as well.