Public utilities may request that the BCUC approves a rate on an interim basis, prior to obtaining approval for a permanent rate. This allows the utility to charge the interim rate to its ratepayers.

Interim rates are often set when a utility wishes to increase its rates on a certain date, but does not apply in sufficient time to allow the BCUC to complete a rates proceeding. The BCUC may, but need not, approve the interim rate while it conducts the proceeding to determine the permanent rate.

The BCUC usually stipulates that if there is a difference between the interim and the permanent rate, the difference is refunded to or collected from ratepayers as soon as possible after the permanent rate is set. One exception to this practice is for rates where the utility does not know the identity of its customer, such as a public fueling station.