BC Hydro launches program to help coronavirus-affected customers with their bills
VANCOUVER -
BC Hydro is implementing a program to help people pay their bills if they’re affected by the novel coronavirus.
The Crown corporation says British Columbians are facing a variety of financial pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as some workplaces close or reduce staffing levels.
BC Hydro said it also expects increased power usage as more people stay home amid health officials’ requests that people take social distancing measures.
Under the new program, customers will be able to defer bill payments or arrange a payment plan with no penalty.
BC Hydro says some customers could also be eligible for grants of up to $600 under its Customer Crisis Fund, if facing power disconnection due to job loss, illness or loss of a family member.
The company says it has taken precautions to keep power running by isolating key facilities, including its control centre, and by increasing its cleaning schedule.
It has also closed its walk-in customer service desks to reduce risk from face-to-face contact and suspended all non-essential business travel, public meetings and site tours.
Related News
Quebec Halts Crypto Mining Electricity Requests
MONTREAL - Major Canadian electricity provider Hydro-Québec will temporarily stop processing requests from cryptocurrency miners in order for the company to fulfil its obligations to supply energy to the entire province, according to a press release published June 7.
Hydro-Québec is experiencing “unprecedented” demand from blockchain companies, which reportedly exceeds the electric utility’s short and medium-term capacity. In this regard, the Quebec provincial government has ordered Hydro-Québec to halt electric power sales to cryptocurrency miners, and announced a new framework for this category of electricity consumers.
In the coming days, Hydro-Québec will reportedly file an application to local energy regulator Régie de…
