B.C. Hydro giving away AC units to low income, vulnerable people

B.C.’s public utility provider is giving away portable air conditioner units ahead of the summer heat.

Low income and vulnerable people can apply to B.C. Hydro for a free AC unit, funded through a three-year, $10-million provincial program intended to provide 8,000 free portable AC units to people who need them the most.

In the past year, the Crown Corporation provided 4,400 people free AC units, and is encouraging people who qualify to the program to apply before the hot weather begins.

Applications can be submitted through the B.C. Hydro website.

The utility provider also noted that people can beat the heat this summer by closing window drapes and blinds, keeping doors and windows shut when the temperature outside is warmer than the indoor air, and by running a fan.