Utilities

Electricity
B.C. Hydro, a Crown Corporation of the Government of British Columbia, produces and distributes electricity within the Province and in the Comox Valley. The British Columbia Utilities Commission regulates BC Hydro. Two factors determine B.C. Hydro service rates, the service zone the customer is located in, and the total consumption level. The Comox Valley service zone is served mainly by hydroelectric (water) generation.

Natural Gas
Terasen Gas provides gas services to the Comox Valley. Terasen Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kinder Morgan, one of the largest energy transportation, storage and distribution companies in North America. The company owns and operates the 565-KM pipeline that transports natural gas from the Mainland to Vancouver Island.

Telecommunications
Telephone service in the Comox Valley include wireless highspeed data, Internet and computer support systems. There are over 33,000 telephone access lines in the Valley and a full fiber-optic network, with capabilities able to exceed 100-megabit service speeds. The Comox and Courtenay areas within the Comox Valley have fully digital telephone services as well as highspeed access, ISDN digital service connections: Microlink and Mega Link. Courtenay and Comox also have Megaroute IX DS-1 Megaroute IX DS-0 and Megaroute Basic Service Extension, and Data Dial 56, multi-channel capabilities.

Solid Waste Management
Various locations exist throughout the Valley for waste disposal. Recycling has always been an important issue for residents and many companies operate programs designed to reduce waste. The Comox Strathcona Regional District strongly promotes the use of the many recycling facilities throughout the region.

Water
The Comox Strathcona Regional District maintains and provides water service to the residents of the Comox Valley. Water rates and charges vary from area to area within the Comox Valley and depend on type of service. All residential and commercial metered accounts except resort commercial are subject to a monthly minimum charge. Metered charges are added to the monthly water fees.