The BCUC is committed to conducting transparent, fair, and inclusive review processes.

Our Open Access Policy enhances the transparency of our work and provides the public with the ability to make requests for information.

The British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC)’s Open Access Policy (Policy) has been designed to enhance the transparency of our work and provide the public with the ability to obtain certain categories of records. This is as described in Section 5 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

Our work is open and transparent, all decisions and related documents are publicly available on the bcuc.com website. As a quasi-judicial body, it is important to understand and uphold deliberative privilege in our regulatory work. Any records that support, or are related to our adjudication processes, will not be publicly released in accordance with Section 61 of the Administrative Tribunals Act and Section 3 of FIPPA.

This policy is administered in accordance with the following principles:

  • Personal Privacy

    The Policy shall be applied in a manner that is considerate and protective of the personal privacy of individuals and records subject to this policy and that is considerate of the FIPPA. Any records that support, or are related to our adjudication processes, will not be publicly released in accordance with Section 61 of the Administrative Tribunals Act and Section 3 of FIPPA.

  • Confidentiality

    Items or information deemed “confidential” in accordance with the BCUC “Confidential Filings” are not subject to this Policy.

  • Timeliness

    The BCUC will respond to any Open Access requests in a reasonable and timely fashion.

  • Costs and Cost Recovery

    Fees for the reproduction and provision of records may be charged where authorized.

  • Transparency

    This Policy shall be made readily available to the public. Our work is open and transparent, all decisions and related documents are publicly available on the bcuc.com website.

  • Reasonableness

    This Policy shall apply only to requests for reasonable quantities and types of records that are maintained by the BCUC in electronic format.

  • Exceptions

    The BCUC may refuse access under this Policy and defer to FIPPA.

Open Access is promoted by an amendment to Section 71 of FIPPA and aligns with the BCUC’s objective to proactively provide information access to its stakeholders. If the information is not readily available on the BCUC’s website, an Open Access Request can be made under this Policy.

If you are unable to obtain access to information from the BCUC’s website, you may file an Open Access Request by letter or email. The subject line must clearly indicate the request is made under the Open Access Policy and provide the following information:

  • Requestor’s Name
  • Date of Request
  • Identification of the document or record requested

BCUC staff may contact the requestor for additional information; in which case, a delay in providing the information may occur.

BCUC staff will review an Open Access request within five business days of receipt of the request, and if the information is readily available, it will be provided via email. If staff are unable to provide the requested information via email, it will be forwarded by regular mail provided additional costs are not incurred beyond standard mail fees. If records are requested to be received by courier, the records will be sent payable by the recipient.

If records are not promptly located or accessible, staff will provide the recipient with an expected delivery date within a reasonable period, and no later than 30 days of receipt of the request.

About Us (who we are and what we do)

Our Services (services provided by BCUC)

Our Finances (what we spend and how we spend it)

  • BCUC costs
  • BCUC revenues
  • Executive compensation
  • Project costs
  • Contractor and staff expenditures

Our Work (applications and matters before the BCUC)

  • Non-confidential applications and procedural documents
  • Orders and decisions
  • Matters currently under review
  • BCUC meeting agendas and minutes of decisions

Our Decisions (decisions made by the BCUC)

Our Legislative Requirements

The BCUC may occasionally update this Open Access Policy. When we do, we will revise the "last updated" date within this section.