Anyone in British Columbia who is struggling financially due to COVID-19 will now be eligible to apply for new support measures.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a residence or business that’s served by BC Hydro or FortisBC, the BC Utilities Commission approved relief programs following a web-based streamlined review process.
For FortisBC residential customers, bill payments between April 1 and June 30 will be deferred and a repayment schedule free of interest or additional fees will be set up.
Our Customer Recovery Fund will help our residential customers most impacted by #COVID19 by deferring their bills until June 30. Small businesses impacted will also have this option or may receive bill credits helping cover costs. We’re always here for you https://t.co/0iqUDgePaX pic.twitter.com/HXkFVHXwe5
— FortisBC (@FortisBC) April 7, 2020
Small businesses that have been forced to close will be eligible for bill credits, while businesses that are still open but facing a decrease in revenue will be eligible for the same deferral period as residential customers.
“These new measures are the result of ongoing evaluation of the situation and listening to the concerns of the many customers who have reached out to us,” said Dawn Mehrer, VP of customer service.
“These conversations have been invaluable in developing an approach that provides the immediate relief customers need today and a flexible path forward that directs further support to the customers that need it most.”
Residential customers who have experienced job loss can apply to our #COVIDー19 Relief Fund to receive three months of free credit on their bill: https://t.co/342z2MQbBR pic.twitter.com/hyZ1veOU6h
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) April 7, 2020
At BC Hydro, residential customers who have lost employment or are unable to work due to COVID-19 are eligible for three months of bill credit.
Small businesses that have had to close due to COVID-19 may be eligible to have charges completely waived for up to three months.
You can learn more about FortisBC’s offerings by clicking here, while more information on BC Hydro’s relief can be found here.
