B.C. Hydro rates should be lowered for low-income customers, says advocate

A legal advocacy group in Vancouver is asking the B.C. Utilities Commission to help make electricity more affordable for low-income people.

Of B.C. Hydro's 1.7 million residential customers, 10 per cent are considered low income and many of themhave trouble paying their electricity bill, according to theB.C.Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

"We've heard a lot of stories of peoplefacingdisconnections, havingdifficultypaying arrears, and having just long-standing problems paying their bills," saidSarah Khan,a lawyer with the centre.

The advocateisasking the B.C. Utilities Commission, the provincial agencythat regulates energy services,to implement an electricity affordability program at B.C. Hydro.

Currently, B.C. Hydro has programs that provide energy-saving products and tips for low-income residents, but Khan says more needs to be done.

She wants to see an emergency bill assistance program for those facing disconnection, and more flexible payment options for those behind on their bill.

Khan said similar programs are already in place in Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba.

"Ontario is in the process of implementing quite a wide range of low income energy affordability programs," said Khan.

"They've already got low income terms and conditions and alreadyhavesome bill assistance programs, and they're just in the process of expanding that."