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Manitoba Hydro Planning a Five-Year 46% Rate Increase -- Lessons for BC? June 2, 2017.
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June 2, 2017
In May, Manitoba Hydro requested a rate increase of 7.9% for 2017 and 2018, with an indication of the same increase for the following three years. The publicly owned power utility is facing a major deterioration inits finances due to major capital projects and a flat demand. What lessons may a new government in BC learn from the Manitoba experience?
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Hon. Bill Bennett Attempts to Defend BC Hydro Borrowing to Pay Dividends April 11, 2016. May 30, 2017.
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May 30, 2017
During the April 11, 2016 Question Period the minister of energy attempts to defend BC Hydro borrowing 100% of the dividend paid to the government; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLNr3RkqPyA , and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs3jntTrgNI
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Ontario Electricity Rate Suppression Plan. May 27, 2017.
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May 26, 2017
This paper reviews the recent report of the Ontario Financial Accountability Office on that government's plan to use a deferral account to surpress electricity rates. A comparison to the revenue deferral practiced by BC Hydro is also provided.
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Will the Election Results End the Politicization of BC Hydro and ICBC?
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May 16, 2017
The Green party has to help restore an ethical approach to government, which will not happen by keeping the Liberals in power. A slightly revised version was printed in The Tyee on May 18, 2017; https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2017/05/18/End-BC-Hydro-ICBC-Shell-Games/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=180517
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Fact Check - Bill Bennett Responds to My Tyee Article. May 4, 2017.
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May 4, 2017
A Fact Check on Hon. Bill Bennett's comments on the Jon McComd (CKNW) show, commenting on rate increases and BC Hydro's debt.
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Big Rate Increases Coming for BC Hydro and ICBC -- The Tyee. May 2, 2017.
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May 2, 2017
My article in the Tyee reviews the implications of the Liberal Party's four year revenue estimates for BC Hydro and ICBC;https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2017/05/01/Rate-Increases-BC-Hydro-ICBC/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=020517
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New Review of Auto Insurance System in Ontario. April 23, 2017.
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April 23, 2017
A report by David Marshall recommends an over-haul of the Ontario system to focus on the management of injury claims to improve the efficieny and effectiveness of the auto insurance system. Useful, but the cross Canada premium comparisons are questionable. http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/autoinsurance/fair-benefits.pdf and https://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2017/04/ontario-releases-report-on-auto-insurance.html
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Fact Check - Government Admits Major Rate Increases Coming for BC Hydro and ICBC. April 20, 2017.
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April 23, 2017
On April 19th finance minister de Jong stated that the coming four-year rate increase requirement for BC Hydro is 28%, and close to 70% for ICBC's Basic program. The government's rate suppression policy has postponed the financial reckoning.
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New Study Recommends Suspension of Site C. April 19, 2017.
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April 19, 2017
On April 19, 2017, the UBC Program on Water Governance released a comphrensive report on the economics of the Site C dam project;http://watergovernance.ca/projects/sitec/
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Politics Versus Good Governance for BC Hydro. April 15, 2017.
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April 15, 2017
Marvin Shaffer criticizes the Liberal government's politicization of BC Hydro; http://vancouversun.com/opinion/op-ed/opinion-politics-versus-good-governance-for-b-c-hydro
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Party Platforms Impact on BC Hydro and ICBC. April 14, 2016.
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April 14, 2017
This paper attempts to summarize the election platforms of the three main parties, and what they say or imply about BC Hydro and ICBC.
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ICBC Capital Depletion and Claims Backlog. April 9, 2017.
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April 9, 2017
This paper reviews the last four years capital depletion and the growth in the claims backlog at ICBC.
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ICBC Gets Tough on Bad Drivers, and Tougher on Good Drivers. March 5, 2017
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April 8, 2017
ICBC announced a toughing of its Basic insurance discounts for 2018, which will result in higher insurance for at-fault drivers; good drivers will be big losers.
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A Commentary on No-Fault Auto Insurance in Ontario. April 5, 2017
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April 5, 2017
A generally negative survey of the no-fault auto insurance business in Ontario, by the Globe and Mail ; http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-magazine/the-real-reason-ontarios-auto-insurance-rates-are-so-high/article34560827/
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New Government Must Fix ICBC's Finances Soon. March 30, 2017.
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March 30, 2017
A detailed review of ICBC's three-year forecast shows alarming loss of capital; immediate and longer-term initiatives are suggested to restore ICBC's finances to a healthy condition.
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ICBC's Worsening Finances Require Government Action. March 24, 2017.
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March 24, 2017
The new provincial government must make the restoration of ICBC's financial health a priority, as capital reserves are now below the regulatory minimums,and rake shock looms.
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Cold and Snowy Winter Helps BC Hydro - Hammers ICBC. March 19, 2017.
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March 19, 2017
A review of the financial impacts of the cold and snowy winter on the finances of BC Hydro and ICBC.
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BC Hydro's Aggressive Revenue Tactics. March 15, 2017.
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March 15, 2017
Big banks have been pursuing questionable tactics to enhance revenue and profits, but BC Hydro has a unique way to achieve its revenue targets.
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How Realistic is BC Hydro's 10-Year Plan? March 12, 2017.
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March 12, 2017
This paper suggests that BC Hydro's annual target rate increase of 2.6% is optimistic, as is the 10-year financial plan.
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ICBC Fact Check Fraud Costing $600 million? March 9, 2017.
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March 9, 2017
This Fact Check concludes that ICBC's claim that fraud is costing $600 million annually is significantly exggerated.
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Government Review (IAAS) of ICBC 2011. March 9, 2017.
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March 9, 2017
In 2011, the government's Internal Audit and Advisory Services group conducted a review of ICBC's operations, and published its report in August; http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/iaas/pdf_docs/ICBC_Review_2012.pdf
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ICBC's Steve Crombie Interview Fact Check. March 9, 2017.
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March 8, 2017
This paper reviews Mr. Crombie's comments in a recent interview as reported by Keith Baldrey in the Burnaby News of March 6, 2017.
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Ontario Increases Electricity Rate Subsidy. March 3, 2017
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March 3, 2017
On 2 March 2017 the Ontario government announced new measures, including a greater taxpayer-funded subsidy, to moderate the rise of electricity prices; http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ontario-wynne-slashes-hydro-rates-residents/article34183180/
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How BC Politicized Electricity Rates. March 3, 2017.
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March 3, 2017
On March 3, 2017, Policy Options published my article comparing how the governments of Ontario and BC are subsidizing electricity prices: http://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/march-2017/how-bc-politicized-electricity-rates/
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How BC Hydro Produces Record profits Despite Flat Demand. March 2, 2017.
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March 2, 2017
This paper explores BC Hydro's flat domestic sales and its high profits during the last five years, and suggests that the recording of future ubapproved and unbilled revenue helps explain the healthy bottom line.
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Get Ready For Massive Rate Hikes. March 2, 2017.
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March 2, 2017
Keith Baldrey, in the North Shore News , writes about the looming financial crisis at ICBC;http://www.nsnews.com/opinion/columnists/baldrey-get-ready-for-massive-icbc-rate-hikes-1.10685159
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US-Rising Claims Costs Forcing Price Increases. February 28, 2017.
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February 28, 2017
A report in Bloomberg Businessweek describes how rising claims costs are forcing auto insurance price increases, providing opportunity for new entrants to the market; https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-16/insurance-bills-rise-as-texters-crash-cars
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ICBC Deficits-Question Period February 22, 2017. February 26, 2017.
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February 26, 2017
Minister Stone attempts to defend ICBC's deficit forecasts during Question Period on February 22, 2017.
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Province Driven ICBC into Trouble February 25, 2017.
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February 25, 2017
Gary Mason, of The Globe and Mail , reports on the new financial forecast for ICBC; http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/provinces-file-bungling-has-driven-insurance-corp-of-bc-into-trouble/article34136030/ , with a backgrounder.
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ICBC's Forecasts for 2016/17 and 2017/18 Show Worsening Outlook. February 22, 2017.
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February 22, 2017
ICBC's 3rd Quarter 2016/17 forecast, and the 2017/18 forecast show a worsening financial picture. No relief in the government's 2017/18 budget.
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Government Uses BC Hydro and ICBC to Lower Direct Debt. February 19, 2017.
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February 19, 2017
In the last five years, the government has taken some $1.95 billion in dividends from BC Hydro, or "excess' capital from ICBC, to reduce its direct operating debt requirement. Occasional Paper No. 22 explains how this happened.
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Awash in Power at Premium Prices. February 13, 2017.
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February 13, 2017
Norman Farrell's post shows that domestic demand for BC Hydro's power has been flat while costs are rising;https://in-sights.ca/2017/02/09/awash-in-power-at-premium-prices/
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The 2011 Review of BC Hydro June 2011. February 2, 2017.
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February 2, 2017
The senior officials' 2011 review of BC Hydro; http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/050/documents/p63919/97006E.pdf
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Auditor General Discusses 2011 Rate Regulation Report with the Public Accounts Committee, November 25, 2011. February 2, 2017.
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February 2, 2017
Auditor General John Doyle and Charles Reid of BC Hydro review the Auditor's recent report on regulated accounting; https://www.leg.bc.ca/Pages/BCLASS-Legacy.aspx#%2Fcontent%2Flegacy%2Fweb%2Fcmt%2F39thparl%2Fsession-4%2Fpac%2Fhansard%2Fp11125x.htm starting at 1257 hrs.
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Government Creates Unique Accounting System for BC Hydro. January 30, 2017.
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January 30, 2017
This paper describes how an obscure 2011 cabinet directive allows BC Hydro to apply regulatory accounting without the fundamental componet -- an independent regulator.
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Submission to the BC Utilities Commission re ICBC Review. January 24, 2017.
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January 27, 2017
My submission recommends that the BC Utilities Commission set expectations for ICBC's 2017 rate request, and includes data on forecasted rate requirements and comparisons of Basic rate increases with Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
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Liberals In No Rush Dealing With ICBC Matters. January 27, 2017.
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January 27, 2017
Vaughn Palmer in the Vancouver Sun comments on the timing of the review of ICBC costs and rates; http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/vaughn-palmer-liberals-in-no-rush-dealing-with-icbc-matters
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Growing Debt at BC Hydro Threatens BC's Credit Rating. January 24, 2017.
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January 24, 2017
The latest Moody's report again warns that BC Hydro's growing debt is a concern as it may require a taxpayer bail-out; http://vancouversun.com/news/politics/b-c-s-credit-rating-at-risk-as-hydros-debt-grows
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BC Hydro's Growing Pension Liability. January 14, 2017.
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January 14, 2017
Richard McCandless wonders why BC Hydro has a large and growing pension liability; deferral accounting may provide a reason.
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Buying Quebec Power a Dim Prospect or Ontarians. January 13, 2017.
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January 13, 2017
In Ontario, political decisions have driven the cost of electricity higher; http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economic-insight/buying-quebec-hydro-power-a-dim-prospect-for-ontarians/article33603621/
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Government Controls Site C Public Relations. January 10, 2017.
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January 10, 2017
Rob Shaw (Vancouver Sun ) reports on jinterviewhis with Hon. Bill Bennett, who says Site C is political; http://vancouversun.com/news/politics/cabinet-political-staff-control-b-c-hydros-public-relations-on-site-c-dam
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Why Does Ontario's Electricity Cost So Much? January 9, 2017.
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January 9, 2017
A Globe and Mail summary of the supply and pricing system in Ontario; http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/why-does-electricity-cost-so-much-in-ontario/article33453270/
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Under-Reported BC Hydro Financial Stories from 2016. January 9, 2017.
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January 9, 2017
Richard McCandless posts Occasional Paper No. 19 on some 2016 stories about BC Hydro's finances that were either under-reported, or recieved no media coverage.
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Times Colonist Editorial -- Cut Insurance Rates. January 8, 2017.
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January 9, 2017
In a January 8, 2017 editorial the Times Colonist says that the government has to reduce the projected increase in Basic rates; http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-find-ways-to-cut-insurance-rates-1.6542717
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Three Post-Truths About Global Energy and Climate Change. January 1, 2017.
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January 2, 2017
Gwyn Morgan, writing in the Globe and Mail , cautions about erronous assertions displacing objective facts about energy and climate change;http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economic-insight/three-post-truths-about-global-energy-and-climate-change/article33465520/
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DeSmog Canada Site - Site C. December 31, 2016.
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December 31, 2016
A link to DeSmog Canada's website, with a focus on Site C;https://www.desmog.ca/site-c-dam-bc
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BC Hydro Quietly Posts Disappointing Q2 Results
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December 30, 2016
My summary of BC Hydro's 2016 Q2 rseults, and a forecast to year-end.
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ICBC 2016 Basic Rate Request-Final Argument. December 20, 2016.
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December 20, 2016
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...."; Richard McCandless submits comments and recommendations to the BC Utilities Commission respecting ICBC's 4.9% Basic rate increase for 2016.
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Principles For Economic Regulation (UK) 2011. December 18, 2016.
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December 18, 2016
This 2011 document was adopted as government policy. It contains useful detail on the principles governing the operation of public utility regulators in the UK.https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/31623/11-795-principles-for-economic-regulation.pdf
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Understanding Regulation in the United Kingdom 2016. December 18, 2016.
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December 18, 2016
Martin Stanley's compendium of issues relating to regulation of public utilities in the UK; http://www.regulation.org.uk/
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ICBC Basic Claims Costs 2012 to 2015. 12 December 2016.
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December 16, 2016
This Occasional Paper (No. 18) reviews ICBC claims data from 2012 to 2015 to attempt to identify cost drivers. The outlook for the medium term is as discussed.
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Tribunal Independence: In Quest of a New Model (2014). 12 December 2016.
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December 12, 2016
Rowland Harrison's 2014 article on regulatory tribunal independence in Canada from the Energy Regulation Quarterly outlines the key attributes of independnce; http://www.energyregulationquarterly.ca/articles/tribunal-independence-in-quest-of-a-new-model#sthash.NZZpf46M.NvntTDP4.dpbs
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Reduce Claims by Reducing Speed and Photo Radar. 25 November 2016.
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December 8, 2016
Stephen Hume of The Vancouver Sun says lower speed limits and photo radar would reduce the frequency and severity of crashes: http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/stephen-hume-want-lower-icbc-rates-drop-speed-limits-get-tough-on-lead-foot-drivers
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The Rising Cost of Medical Reports. 8 December 2016.
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December 8, 2016
Pete McMartin of the Vancouver Sun writes about the growing cost of medical reports for soft tissue injuries; http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/pete-mcmartin-medical-reports-make-up-major-chunk-of-icbc-expenditure-insiders-reveal
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ICBC's Death by a Thousand Fender Benders. 3 December 2016.
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December 3, 2016
Pete McMartin of The Vancouver Sun write about how BC is the ony province without some limit on minor pain and suffering claim awards; http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/pete-mcmartin-icbcs-death-by-a-thousand-fender-benders
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BC Hydro Defends Recording of Future Unapproved Revenue. 2 December 2016.
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December 2, 2016
Recently, the BC Utilities Commission asked BC Hydro whether its recording of future unapproved revenue conformed to accepted accounting principles. I forwarded BC Hydro's answer, together with my comments, to Auditor General Carol Bellringer.
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ICBC Claims Costs Balloon. 12 August 2016.
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December 1, 2016
Ian Mulgrew in The Vancouver Sun reports on the rise in injury claims; http://vancouversun.com/storyline/ian-mulgrew-icbcs-claims-costs-balloon-fuelled-by-antagonistic-litigious-strategy
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Anton Dodges Responsibility Over Court Fees Debacle. 12 May 2016.
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December 1, 2016
Ian Mulgrew of The Vancouver Sun reports on rift between the judiciary and government over rejected increase in civil tariff:http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/ian-mulgrew-anton-plays-artful-dodger-over-court-fees-debacle
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Attorney General Under Fire For Bowing To ICBC. 15 April 2016.
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December 1, 2016
Ian Mulgrew of The Vancouver Sun reports on failed attempt to change civil rules tariff; http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/ian-mulgrew-attorney-general-under-fire-for-bowing-to-icbc-concerns
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Premier Clark Wants 4.9% Rate Increase for 2016. 22 November 2016.
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December 1, 2016
News 1130 story says Premier Clark fighting for affordable auto insurance rates.
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Why We Pay Too Much For Auto Insurance. 23 August 2012.
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December 1, 2016
Richard McCandless commentary in the Times Colonist about the high capital reserves at ICBC; http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters/why-we-pay-too-much-for-auto-insurance-1.1497
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Speed Related To Claims Costs. 30 November 2016
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November 30, 2016
Stephen Hume of The Vancouver Sun provides a fact-based review of how speed increases the chances of serious injury or death; http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/stephen-hume-readers-wont-trade-away-speed-for-lower-insurance-rates
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The Growing Burden of the Senior Discount. 30 November 2016.
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November 30, 2016
Pete McMartin's (the Vancouver Sun ) srticle on the growing cost of the 25% senior discount on Basic insurance; http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/pete-mcmartin-driving-is-getting-old-the-growing-burden-of-seniors-insurance
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BC Hydro GWh Domestic Sales. 29 November 2016.
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November 29, 2016
BC Hydro data on domestic sales 2006/07 to 2015/16 and three year forecast.
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NDP Asks Auditor General To Review ICBC Finances. 29 November 2016.
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November 29, 2016
Adrian Dix asks Auditor General Bellringer to review ICBC finances in light of projected $1.5 billion capital requirement to continue the Basic rate subsidization; http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/ndp-wants-auditor-general-to-review-icbc-finances
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Unshackle ICBC From Politics. 29 November 2016.
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November 29, 2016
Times Colonist editorial syas politicians should stop using ICBC rates for political advantage; http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-unshackle-icbc-from-politics-1.3341544
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Thoughts on Recent ICBC Events. 27 November 2016.
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November 27, 2016
My thoughts and comments on recent events concerning ICBC's rates and financial condition.
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ICBC's Five Year Basic Forecast of 23 November 2016. 24 November 2016.
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November 27, 2016
My preliminary impressions of ICBC's Basic forecast filed on 23 November 2016.
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Confusion About Luxury Auto Insurance Changes. 26 November 2016.
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November 26, 2016
Rob Shaw of The Vancouver Sun reports on the confusion caused by the government announcement that owners of luxury cars will no longer be covered by ICBC; http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/confusion-lack-of-detail-plague-icbc-changes-on-luxury-autos
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Political Interference Hobbles ICBC. 26 November 2016.
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November 26, 2016
The Vancouver Sun editorial calls on the government to restore the BC Utilities Commission's authority to regulate ICBC rates, saying that the government's cap on Basic rates has put ICBC in an untenable financial position; http://vancouversun.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-political-interference-hobbles-icbc
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ICBC Produces Five Year Forecast. 24 November 2016.
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November 24, 2016
Rob Shaw of the Vancpuver Sun reports on ICBC's five year Basic rate forecast; http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/icbc-admits-42-per-cent-in-rate-hikes-possible-for-basic-auto-insurance
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Prepare for ICBC Rate Shock. 23 November 2016.
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November 23, 2016
Richard McCandless, in The Times Colonist, outlines the looming financial crisis at ICBC; http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/op-ed/be-prepared-for-icbc-rate-increase-shock-1.3101218
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ICBC Finances in Question... 22 November 2016.
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November 23, 2016
Rob Shaw reports in The Vancouver Sun about the potential financial crisis at ICBC;http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/icbc-finances-in-question-amidst-fight-to-keep-secret-rate-forecasts
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ICBC Hiding Financial Forecast. 22 August 2016.
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November 22, 2016
Rob Shaw's article in The Vancouver Sun reporting on ICBC's reluctance to file a financial forecact with the BC Utilities Commission:http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/icbc-fighting-regulator-to-keep-future-rate-forecasts-from-public
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The Numbers Game - Non GAAP Measures. 26 September 2016
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November 20, 2016
An article from the Globe and Mail on how the growing use of non-standard accounting measures can distort the true financial condition of a company; http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/inside-the-market/boost-earnings-manipulate-accounting-investing/article32021010/
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Government Manipulating Hydro Finances. 15 June 2016.
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November 20, 2016
Andrew MacLeod in The Tyee writes about my 10 June 2016 presentation to the Utilities Commission respecting BC Hydro's 2016 rate request;http://thetyee.ca/News/2016/06/15/Government-Manipulating-BC-Hydro-Finances/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=150616
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Rate Suppression and Capital Destruction: ICBC Rate Shock Lurking. 17 November 2016.
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November 17, 2016
This paper describes how the government's rate suppression policy has used ICBC's capital reserves to subsidize lower than required Basic program rates. In essence, the government is using policyholders' savings to keep the required rate increases from becoming an issue of public concern. Soon the capital reserve will be at minimum levels, and policyholders will be faced with the deferred bill.
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Government's Clean Energy Policy Drives BC Hydro's Costs.
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November 16, 2016
Marvin Shaffer comments on how the government's clean energy policy and the promotion of private power generation has driven up BC Hydro's costs;http://www.policynote.ca/how-the-so-called-clean-energy-plan-wreaks-havoc-on-bc-hydros-rates/
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Revenue Recognition -- Fraud and Reporting Risk.
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November 16, 2016
An article by D. Barry Jay Epstein reviewing revenue recognition fraud in the US.
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Auditor General Asked to Examine BC Hydro's 'Misleading' Accounting. 10 June 2016.
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November 16, 2016
Andrew Macleod in The Tyee reports on Arian Dix's request to Auditor General Bellringer to review BC Hydro's rate smoothing deferral accounts; http://thetyee.ca/News/2016/06/10/BC-Hydro-Misleading-Accounting/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=100616
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Does BC Hydro's Rate Smoothing Conform to Accounting Standards? 8 June 2016.
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November 16, 2016
On 8 June 2016 Adrian Dix MLA requested Auditor General Carol Bellringer's opinion as to whether the government-imposed recording of future revenue at BC Hyro conforms to generally accepted accounting principles.
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ICBC Statistics 2006 to 2014. 1 July 2014
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November 16, 2016
ICBC's high level stastics as compiled by Integrity BC ; http://www.integritybc.ca/?page_id=6149
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BC Hydro's E Drive Pricing. 16 November 2016.
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November 16, 2016
Marvin Shaffer in The Tyee comments on the government's decision to apply industrial pricing for the new Woodfibre LNG plant; http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2016/11/16/BC-LNG-Power-Bills/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=161116
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BC Injury Law web site
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November 15, 2016
A link to an index of court decisions regarding personal injury and other releated matters; http://bc-injury-law.com/
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BC Hydro - Distruction in Progress. 30 July 2016.
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November 15, 2016
Norm Farrell reviews the rising costs of domestic electricity; https://in-sights.ca/2016/07/30/bc-hydro-destroyed-in-progress/
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BC Hydro: From Public Interest to Private Profits. 12 September 2016
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November 15, 2016
Norm Farrell's article in The Tyee discusses why BC Hydro's customers face massive rate increases; http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2016/09/12/BC-Hydro-Public-Interest-Private-Profits/
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How Ontario and BC Subsidize Electricity Rates. 13 September 2016.
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November 14, 2016
A comparison of how the governments of Ontario and BC subsidize electricity rates.
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BC Hydro's Rates For 2016 to 2018. 15 June 2016.
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November 14, 2016
Andrew Macleod in The Tyee reviews my 10 June 2016 presentation to the BCUC panel reviewing BC Hydro's rates for 2016 to 2018, http://thetyee.ca/News/2016/06/15/Government-Manipulating-BC-Hydro-Finances/
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Are Lawyers Driving Up ICBC's Injury Awards? 12 August 2016
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November 14, 2016
Ian Mulgrew in The Vancouver Sun reviews the effects of greater rates of legal representation on ICBC's claims costs; http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/icbcs-claims-costs-balloon-fuelled-by-antagonistic-litigious-strategy
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ICBC Rate Increases for 2016. 16 August 2016.
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November 14, 2016
Ian Mulgrew of The Vancouver Sun reviews cost pressures on ICBC rates for 2016; http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/ian-mulgrew-icbc-lawyers-head-on-duel-a-side-show-rates-still-going-up
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McCandless Submission to the BC Utilities Commission Re: ICBC 2014 Rates. 12 March 2015.
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November 13, 2016
My submision to the BC Utilities Commission on ICBC's 2014 rate request, including a history of the capital reserve and government directives; http://www.bcuc.com/Documents/Arguments/2015/DOC_43293_03-12-2015_McCandless_Final-Argument.pdf
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McCandless Submission to the BC Utilities Commission Re ICBC 2015 Rates. 14 March 2016.
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November 13, 2016
My survey of ICBC's 2015 rate request and recommendations to the BC Utilities Commission; http://www.bcuc.com/Documents/Arguments/2016/DOC_45935_03-14-2016_McCandless_Final-Argument.pdf
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Government Continues BC Hydro Rate Suppression. 13 September 2013.
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on
November 13, 2016
Vaughn Palmer reviews government control over BC Hydro rates in this September 2013 column; http://www.nationalpost.com/m/vaughn+palmer+utilities+commission+review+hydro+rates/8911020/story.html
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Government Response to Independent Review of BC Utilities Commission. 4 February 2015.
Posted
on
November 13, 2016
Justine Hunter of The Globe and Mail interviews Hon. Bill Bennett following release of the Independent Review's report on the BC Utilities Commission; http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/energy-watchdog-needs-more-independence-bc-government-told/article22791687/
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BC Government Ignores Utilities Commission and Approves Site C. 11 February 2016.
Posted
on
November 13, 2016
Vaughn Palmer of The Vancouver Sun reviews the history of the BC Utilities Commission and Site C; http://www.vancouversun.com/vaughn+palmer+chance+public+review+site/11714172/story.html
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Report of Independent Review of the BC Utilities Commission, November 2014.
Posted
on
November 13, 2016
Final report of the Independent Task Force on the BC Utilities Commission, released in early 2015. http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/electricity-alternative-energy/electricity/bcuc_review_final_report_nov_14_final.pdf
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BC Utilites Commission Independence and the Site C Decision. 12 January 2015
Posted
on
November 13, 2016
Justine Hunter Globe and Mail reports on the government approval of Site C without reference to the BC Utilities Commission; http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-ignored-calls-for-oversight-in-site-c-dam-ruling/article22422910/
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BC Electric Policy Since 2002. Spring 2013.
Posted
on
November 13, 2016
Article by Marjorie Griffen and John Calvert in BC Studies reviewing government policies and the impact on electricity prices; http://ojs.library.ubc.ca/index.php/bcstudies/issue/view/182282
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