B.C. Hydro provides cost savings during COVID crisis

BC Hydro is offering its customers bill relief to help them deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

The Crown-owned utility has announced several changes to assist residential and business customers.

Residential customers who have lost their job or are unable to work because of COVID will receive a credit to help cover the cost of their electricity bills.

“The credit will be three times their average monthly bill over the past year at their home and does not have to be repaid,” said a government news release.

Small businesses that have been forced to close will have their power bills forgiven for three months, from April to June 2020.

Eligible residential customers can apply for bill relief starting next week and small business applications will be accepted as of April 14, with the deadline for both categories set at June 30.

Major industries, like pulp and paper mills and mines, will have the opportunity to defer 50 per cent of their bill payments for three months.

In addition, BC Hydro rates have been reduced by 1 per cent as of today, which the government says is the first rate decrease in decades.

“People who have lost their jobs or are unable to work due to COVID-19 shouldn’t have to choose between paying their rent or mortgage and paying their hydro bill,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “These measures will also provide relief to small businesses such as restaurants and retail shops who have had to close during COVID-19, and support them in reopening once the pandemic has passed.”

The average residential customer’s bill is $159 per month, so the average credit provided will be $477. Some customers may also be eligible for BC Hydro’s existing Customer Crisis Fund, which provides access to grants of up to $600 to pay their bills.

The average bill savings for small businesses who qualify will be $121 per month, so the average total bill savings will be $363.

BC Hydro has halted all service disconnections for non-payment during COVID-19 and cancelled all non-emergency planned power outages affecting its customers.