BC Hydro Partnership: Keeping the Lights on for Renters in B.C. 

Many people recognize that rent banks are a vital support for individuals and families who experience a crisis that impacts their ability to pay rent. Many may not know, however, that rent banks also play a role in helping renters pay for essential utilities. Last year, 21% of rent bank applicants indicated that they needed financial support to help pay for gas or hydro bills. 

BC Hydro developed a Customer Crisis Fund (CCF) for residential customers who experience a temporary financial crisis such as loss of employment or benefit income, unanticipated medical expenses or a death in the family, and who are struggling to pay their hydro bill. The fund is available to renters who are attempting to make payments on their bill and who do not owe more than $1,000.  

Late last spring, representatives from BC Hydro and BC Rent Bank came together to brainstorm more effective and efficient ways to support renters during a time of crisis. It was during one of these meetings that a pilot project was proposed, where representatives from select rent banks would be trained as “authorized representatives” for the Customer Crisis Fund to be able to assist renters with their online application and answer any verification questions as required by BC Hydro.  

After ten months of operating the pilot project and with only a limited number of rent banks participating, there have been nearly a dozen renters impacted and close to $5,000 in grants distributed to renters to help with their utility costs. Though the numbers are not staggering, the impact the partnership is having on renters like Mark (name changed for privacy reasons) is remarkable.   

Mark’s story is not unlike that of many seniors we learn about through the rent bank program. Mark had to be hospitalized for a month, and upon returning home, learned he had also lost his job. Without a steady source of income, Mark fell behind on paying rent and utilities. With his last $200 he made a payment on his hydro bill, but still had an outstanding balance and was facing disconnection. With hydro as his only source of heat, his situation was dire.  

When applying for a rent bank loan through the Sunshine Coast Rent Bank, Mark learned about the initiative between BC Hydro and BC Rent Bank. Steve, a case manager at the rent bank, provided Mark with the support he needed to complete an application and submit it online. Since Steve had already verified Mark’s eligibility, Mark did not have to go through the process of repeating his story to BC Hydro and was approved for a grant. Mark broke down in tears when he learned that he was approved and would not have his hydro disconnected. 

We are grateful to BC Hydro for partnering with us and helping us grow BC Rent Bank’s services so we can provide more comprehensive support for renters in need. This type of partnership demonstrates how our province-wide infrastructure can be leveraged to deliver services to renters quickly and efficiently. It’s our hope that this partnership, and others like it, can continue to flourish and ultimately support more renters like Mark to keep the lights on.