Hydro One, Avista to ask U.S. regulator to reconsider order against acquisition
TORONTO -
Hydro One Ltd. and Avista Corp. say they plan to formally request that the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission reconsider its order last week denying approval of the $6.7-billion takeover of the U.S.-based energy utility.
The two companies say they will file a petition no later than Dec. 17 but haven't indicated on what grounds they are making the request.
Under Washington State law, the UTC has 20 days to consider the petition, otherwise it is deemed to be denied.
If it reconsiders its decision, the UTC can modify the prior order or take any actions it deems appropriate including extending deliberations.
Washington State regulators said they would not allow Ontario's largest utility to buy Avista for fear the provincial government, which owns 47 per cent of Hydro One's shares, might meddle in Avista's operations.
Hydro One's shares have risen since the order because the deal, announced in July 2017, would have eroded earnings per share and weakened Hydro One's balance sheet, according to analysts.
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VANCOUVER - Elecricity demand is down 10 per cent across British Columbia, an unprecedented decline sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a BC Hydro report.
Power demand across hotels, offices, recreational facilities and restaurants have dwindled as British Columbians self isolate.
The shortfall means there's a surplus of water in reservoirs across the province.
"This drop in load in addition to the spring snow melt is causing our reservoirs to reach near capacity, which could lead to environmental concerns, as well as public safety risks if we don't address the challenges now," said spokesperson Tanya Fish.
Crews will have to strategically spill reservoirs…
