Need help paying your hydro bill? Here's how to get up to $600 in grant money
Provincial officials have extended a program meant to help residents of B.C. who are struggling to make ends meet.
The BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund will continue to provide support to help keep the lights on for those who are facing financial challenges.
The three-year pilot program wrapped up at the end of May, but in a news release Tuesday, the Ministry of Energy confirmed it has been renewed.
Through the CCF, customers can apply for grants of up to $600 to be used toward their hydro bills. The intent is to give a bit of extra cash to those who've lost their jobs, or are dealing with illness or the loss of a family member, the ministry said.
Grants are meant for those facing the disconnection of their hydro.
The program has helped more than 11,000 customers in its first three years, according to the province.
The grant money comes from a monthly charge of 13 cents, which has been added to the bills of all of B.C.'s residential customers.
The rate was taken off customers' bills this month.
Those wondering if they may be eligible can check the criteria online, which include that the grant recipient be applying for their primary residence, and that they have overdue payments and be facing disconnection.
Anyone who meets the criteria can apply online. If that isn't an option, an individual can fill out a paper application and bring it to a Service BC location, mail it or fax it. More information is available here.
To apply, the customer will need their BC Hydro account number, as well as the name on the account and their postal code.
Those ineligible for the CCF may still be able to get help from BC Hydro. Payment plans are optional, and customers have the option to defer a payment if needed.
There are also alternatives to a security deposit, and pre-authorized automatic withdrawals can help keep a customer from falling behind.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.