If you’re behind on your BC Hydro bill and worried about disconnection, the BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund offers short-term relief. This grant helps residential customers who have had a recent financial crisis keep their electricity on. The support is a one-time emergency payment. It is not a loan, and it goes directly to your BC Hydro account. Eligible households can receive up to $600, depending on how your home is heated.
The Customer Crisis Fund provides a one-time grant to help with overdue BC Hydro bills and prevent service disconnection. You do not receive cash; the money is credited to your account.
Key details:
Funding amount:
Who can apply:
Purpose:
To qualify for the BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund, you must meet all these conditions:
A qualifying life event is something unexpected that causes a sudden drop in your income or a big expense. Examples include:
If you have ongoing financial struggles but no recent crisis, you likely do not qualify.
Applying is simple, but timing is important.
Check your account status
You can apply if you owe a balance. You must wait until your account is at least 21 days overdue or at risk of disconnection.
Apply through BC Hydro
Use BC Hydro’s online Customer Crisis Fund application or contact their staff for help.
Describe your crisis
Explain the life event that caused your financial trouble and when it happened.
Show your income
BC Hydro may ask for proof of household income to check if you qualify.
Wait for a decision
If approved, the grant is credited to your BC Hydro account to reduce your overdue balance.
If you want to see if you qualify for other emergency or utility help in BC, you can use GrantHub’s eligibility matcher.
This fund is for emergencies only. It is not meant for regular or repeat help.
Applying too early
If your bill is not yet 21 days overdue or facing disconnection, your application may be delayed or placed on hold.
Citing ongoing hardship only
You must name a specific life event in the last 12 months. Ongoing money problems without a crisis do not qualify.
Applying for a non-primary residence
Only your main home qualifies. Rental properties or secondary homes are not eligible.
Not responding to BC Hydro’s requests
If you miss requests for income proof or don’t talk about a payment plan, your approval may be delayed or denied.
Q: Is the BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund taxable income?
No. The grant is applied directly to your electricity bill and is not considered taxable income.
Q: Can renters apply for the Customer Crisis Fund?
Yes. Renters can apply if the BC Hydro account is in their name and it is their primary residence.
Q: Will the fund cover my entire overdue balance?
Not always. The grant has a maximum of $600 or $500, depending on your home’s heating. You might still owe some money after the grant is applied.
Q: Can I apply if I’m already on a payment plan?
Yes. You can apply, and BC Hydro may ask you to keep or start a payment plan after the grant is given.
Q: What if my application is denied?
If you don’t qualify, BC Hydro may offer other payment options or suggest other supports.
If you are feeling financial pressure, these guides may help:
The BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund provides quick help during a short-term financial emergency, but it is only one option. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and assistance programs across Canada, including emergency and cost-of-living supports. Checking which programs match your household can help you find more support sooner.
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