BC Hydro announces one per cent rate cut; will also provide credits on bills, waive charges for those impacted by COVID-19

Residential and commercial customers of BC Hydro will see some relief from billing from the electrical utility, that as they roll out a program to assist those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an information release today, BC Hydro noted how this will impact both user groups:

Residential customers that have lost their job or are unable to work will be able to apply to receive a one-time bill credit of three times their average monthly bill amount – this amounts to around $135 in savings for the average apartment dweller and $335 for the average single-family home.

Small business customers that have had to close their business as a result of measures implemented to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also be able to apply to have their electricity costs waived for up to three months.

"We recognize the financial stress many of our customers are facing after losing their job or having to close their business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that not having to worry about their electricity costs for a few months will help provide some temporary relief during these challenging times." -- Chris O'Riley, BC Hydro President and Chief Executive Officer.

Application to the program part of a BC Hydro's COVID-19 Relief fund will be in a two stage approach, with eligible residential users able to apply by the end of next week.

Business customers will be able to apply starting April 14th.

Both groups of customers have until June 30th to apply.

More on the COVID-19 Relief Fund can be accessed here.

BC Hydro also notes that the have a range of assistance programs in place through their Customer Assistance program, you can find out more and discuss your options by calling 1-800 BC Hydro (1 880-224-9376)

Also announced today, was a one percent reduction in Hydro rates, that following interim approval by the BC Utilities Commission.

The updated rate will reduce the average residential customer's annual electricity costs by up to $16, commercial customers' annual electricity costs will be reduced by up to $715 and industrial customers by up to $230,000.

 Over the next three years, the forecast net bill impacts are estimated to be:

April 2021: increase of 2.7 per cent

April 2022: decrease of 0.3 per cent 

April 2023: increase of 3 per cent

More on that announcement can be reviewed here.

For more notes on BC Hydro see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.