BC Hydro Relief for Residents and Businesses

What it is:

British Columbia’s electricity utility is offering a reprieve from bill payments for people and businesses affected financially by the novel coronavirus.

For Residents:

• BC Hydro will offer a three-month credit on power bills for people whose income has been reduced due to COVID-19.
• This equals approximately $477 in savings for the average customer.
• Rr residential customers, this bill credit does not have to be repaid.

For Businesses:

• Small businesses that have been forced to close due to COVID-19 will have their power bills forgiven for three months for the power used between April and June.
• This will provide immediate relief to retail stores, restaurants, tourism, the personal services sector and other small businesses that are struggling to keep their workers on payroll.
• Large industrial customers will be allowed to defer up to 50 per cent of their power bills for the next three months. Repayment will not be due until September.

Customers can apply for credits from the hydro company through BC Hydro’s COVID-19 Relief Fund website between April 13 and June 30.