Residential customers can now apply for BC Hydro's COVID-19 relief fund
BC Hydro is reminding residential customers they can apply for the COVID-19 Relief Fund starting today.
Announced on April 1, the COVID-19 Relief Fund provides bill relief for BC Hydro residential and small business customers impacted most by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Eligible customers can apply for a one-time bill credit of three times their average monthly bill amount.
Beginning next week, small business customers forced to closed their doors due to the pandemic can apply to have electricity charges waived for up to three months.
This “payment holiday” is meant to provide relief to retail stores, restaurants, tourism, and other small businesses.
In order to be eligible for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, residential customers must be residential account holders and have had an account since March 31, 2020.
Either they or their significant other must have lost employment/income because of the following reasons:
- 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
- Being unable to earn self-employment income
They also must be eligible for Employment Insurance, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, or BC’s Emergency Response Benefit for Workers and be able to provide proof of their application.
Customers who do not meet this eligibility can seek assistance via BC Hydro’s COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program and are encouraged to call 1-800-BC-HYDRO (1-800-224-9376) to discuss further options.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, BC Hydro has seen an increase in the number of customers seeking help with their BC Hydro bills,” said the company in a statement.
“This includes a seven per cent increase in bill deferrals compared to the monthly average.”
Those looking to apply for the COVID-19 Relief Fund can visit bchydro.com/covid19relief.
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