VICTORIA - The British Columbia government is exempting a utility company that plans to expand its liquefied natural gas plant in Metro Vancouver, allowing the $2-billion investment to move ahead.

Energy Minister Adrian Dix says the government has issued an order-in-council that will exempt Fortis BC from getting a permit, requiring the company to show that the proposed expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility in Delta, B.C. protects the public interest.