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Image: BC Hydro / BC Hydro says a new B.C. Electricity Affordability Credit will begin appearing on customer accounts after April 15. 
BC Hydro bill reduction

BC Hydro customers to begin receiving affordability credit soon

Mar 28, 2024 | 11:39 AM

CHILLIWACK — BC Hydro says a new B.C. Electricity Affordability Credit will begin appearing on customer accounts as early as next month.

According to an email dated Thursday, March 28 from BC Hydro, the provincial government announced the creation of a new affordability credit that will provide the average BC Hydro residential customer with an annual savings of around $100.

In order to qualify for this credit, customers must have an active account as of March 31, 2024. The credit will be automatically calculated and divided across BC Hydro bills for the next 12 months.

The exact credit amount that customers will receive is contingent upon a home’s electricity usage between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024. The average B.C. household will see savings of approximately $100, Hydro says. Customers with the lowest levels of electric consumption will receive no less than $24.

Existing Hydro customers don’t need to take any action. The first credit will appear on customer bills after April 15. If you’re currently on a pre-authorized payment plan, your payment amounts over the next 12 months will be reduced by your credit amount.

In November 2022, BC Hydro alerted its customers to a $100 cost of living credit. At the time, BC Hydro explained in its email to customers that eligible BC Hydro residential customers would receive a one-time cost of living credit.

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