British Columbia’s public utility has opened up applications for residential customers struggling to pay their electric bill.
Through the BC Hydro COVID-19 Relief Fund, those eligible can get a one-time credit of three times their average monthly bill amount, according to a recent release. So if you use the B.C. residential average of 900 kWh per month — roughly working out to $100 monthly charge — you might be eligible for a one-time $300 credit.
To be eligible, you must already by a residential account holder and have had that account since March 31, 2020. In addition, you or your spouse must have lost employment or income because of COVID-19, resulting in:
a job lay-off;
- being quarantined or sick with COVID-19;
- taking care of a family member that is sick with COVID-19;
- providing care for their children due to school and daycare closures; or,
- be unable to earn self-employment income.
Further, customers have to be eligible for either Employment Insurance, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or B.C.’s Emergency Response Benefit for Workers. You’ll be asked to provide proof of your application or approval to one of these programs.
BC Hydro will open up applications for small business next week in a program that will waive charges for up to three months.
To apply for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, customers can visit bchydro.com/covid19relief.
Customers have until June 30, 2020 to submit their application.
