Guide to Setting Up a FortisBC Natural Gas Account

If you are moving into a home in British Columbia that uses natural gas, you will likely need to set up an account with FortisBC. Natural gas is commonly used for home heating, water heating, cooking, and fireplaces throughout the province. FortisBC is the main natural gas utility in BC, and setting up your account is a straightforward process that this guide will walk you through step by step.

Do You Need a FortisBC Account?

Not every home in British Columbia uses natural gas. Some homes rely entirely on electricity for heating and cooking. Before you set up a FortisBC account, confirm whether your new home has a natural gas connection. You can usually determine this by checking your rental listing, asking your landlord, or looking for a gas meter on the exterior of the property. If the home has a gas furnace, gas stove, gas fireplace, or gas water heater, you will need an active FortisBC account.

Note that FortisBC also provides electricity in certain parts of the province, primarily the Okanagan and Kootenay regions. This guide focuses on setting up a natural gas account. For electricity in most of BC, see our guide to setting up a BC Hydro account.

What You Will Need

Before beginning the account setup process, have the following information ready:

• Your full legal name as it appears on your government identification.
• Your date of birth.
• A valid email address for your online account.
• Your new address where you need natural gas service.
• Your move-in date.
• A phone number where you can be reached.
• Government-issued identification such as a driver's licence, passport, or BC Services Card.

Similar to BC Hydro, FortisBC may require a security deposit from customers who do not have an established credit history in Canada. This is common for newcomers. The deposit is typically returned after 12 to 24 months of on-time payments.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Account Online

Step 1: Visit the FortisBC Website

Go to fortisbc.com and navigate to the "Accounts and Billing" section, then select "Moving" and "Start Service."

Step 2: Create an Online Account

If you do not already have a FortisBC online account, register with your email address, create a password, and provide your personal details.

Step 3: Submit Your Service Request

Complete the move-in or start service form with your new address, move-in date, and personal details. FortisBC will verify the address against their service records.

Step 4: Provide Identification

You may need to verify your identity by providing a driver's licence number, passport number, or other government identification details.

Step 5: Confirm and Submit

Review all details, confirm your move-in date, and submit. You will receive a confirmation with your FortisBC account number.

Setting Up by Phone

You can also call FortisBC at 1-888-224-2710 to set up your account over the phone. Their customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Have all your personal information ready when you call.

Understanding Your FortisBC Bill

Your FortisBC natural gas bill includes several components:

• Basic charge: A fixed daily charge for being connected to the gas system, regardless of usage.
• Delivery charge: The cost of transporting natural gas to your home through the pipeline system.
• Storage and transport charge: Covers storing natural gas and moving it from the source to the distribution network.
• Cost of gas: The actual commodity cost of the natural gas you consumed.
• Carbon tax: A provincial tax on fossil fuels, including natural gas, based on your consumption.

Your usage is measured in gigajoules (GJ). A typical BC household uses between 70 and 110 GJ of natural gas per year, with most consumption occurring during the winter heating season. FortisBC provides detailed rate information on their website.

Payment Options

• Pre-authorized payments: Automatic withdrawals from your bank account on each billing date.
• Online banking: Add FortisBC as a payee through your bank's bill payment service.
• Equal Payment Program: Spread your annual gas costs into predictable monthly payments to smooth out seasonal variation.
• Credit card: Pay through your FortisBC online account.
• Mail: Send a cheque with your payment stub to the address on your bill.

Rebates and Energy-Saving Programs

FortisBC offers generous rebate programs to help customers reduce natural gas consumption and save money:

• Home insulation rebates for upgrading your home's insulation.
• High-efficiency furnace rebates when you install a qualifying furnace.
• Tankless water heater rebates for upgrading to a more efficient system.
• Smart thermostat rebates for installing a qualifying programmable thermostat.

Check the FortisBC rebates page for current offers. Some rebates can be combined with provincial or federal energy efficiency incentives.

Low-Income Assistance

If you are on a limited income, FortisBC offers several assistance options including the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) with free energy-saving upgrades, payment arrangement options for overdue balances, and community agency referrals. If you qualify for BC Hydro's low-income rate, you may also qualify for FortisBC assistance.

Tips for Reducing Your Natural Gas Bill

• Lower your thermostat by one or two degrees. Each degree can reduce your heating bill by about 2 to 3 percent.
• Use a programmable thermostat to reduce heat when you are asleep or away.
• Seal drafts around windows and doors to prevent warm air from escaping.
• Close curtains at night to retain heat and open them during the day for sunlight.
• Turn down your hot water tank to 55 degrees Celsius.
• Take shorter showers and use low-flow showerheads.

Safety and Natural Gas

Natural gas is generally safe when used properly, but awareness of safety precautions is important. Natural gas is odourless, but an additive called mercaptan gives it a distinctive rotten egg smell so you can detect leaks. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately, do not use any electrical switches or open flames, and call FortisBC's 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 from a safe location. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and have gas appliances inspected annually.

Related Resources

• Guide to Setting Up a BC Hydro Account
• How to Apply for BC Hydro's Low-Income Rate
• How to Open a Bank Account in Canada
• Guide to Renting in British Columbia

WelcomeAide is here to support newcomers navigating important life events in Canada. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator for personalized guidance, explore our blog for more newcomer resources, learn about our mission, or discover how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.