With another hot summer predicted, BC Hydro encourages qualifying customers to request a free portable air conditioner.
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With another hot, dry summer predicted for British Columbia, many residents have likely already installed electric pumps or portable air conditioners. But there are still many people who cannot include these expensive units in their budget.
So last summer BC announced a three-year program with $10 million in funding for BC Hydro to install 8,000 free portable air conditioning units in the homes of residents who need them most.
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On Friday, BC Hydro encouraged low-income families to beat the heat and apply for the air conditioning unit.
Here’s what you need to know to request a free portable unit.
Who is eligible?
If you live in an income-qualified household and/or have received a letter of recommendation from your Regional Health Authority’s Home Care Program, you may be eligible to receive a free portable air conditioner. For example, a single-person household with qualified income would earn no more than $39,700, while a household of four would earn no more than $73,800. For a complete breakdown of income qualification, you can visit bchidro.com or look at this graph here:
Do I have to prove income if I received a letter?
No. If you have received a letter of recommendation from your health authority, you do not need to include proof of income with your application.
How do I sign up?
BC residents can apply online at bchidro.com.
This program is available year-round and customers who apply during the winter and fall will complete their assessments and receive their unit sooner than during the warmer months. Residents who own their homes can also choose to self-install their units, which can help receive a unit faster during the summer.
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If you rent your home, you will need a landlord consent form, which you can also find here at bchidro.com.
What does the offer include?
This offer includes a portable air conditioning unit on wheels. This type of unit is installed by connecting a flexible duct hose through an open window and plugging it into a standard wall outlet.
It also included a unique facility for those who need it. BC Hydro customers are responsible for ongoing maintenance, disassembly and reinstallation. There are no fees or shipping costs.
If you are a homeowner, you can choose to self-install your unit. BC Hydro says a portable air conditioning unit is ideal for small, enclosed areas, such as a bedroom, and is intended for customers to create a safe cooling space during extreme heat events, both during the day and at night.
What if I already have an air conditioning unit in my home? Can I still apply?
No, you are not eligible if you have a working air conditioning unit in your home. BC Hydro says if you have a unit that doesn’t work at all, you may be eligible for a new one. Your old unit will be removed and recycled properly.
What happens if I don’t have a BC Hydro account?
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If you rent your home and/or do not have a BC Hydro account, you can call BC Hydro at 1 800 224 9376 so staff can assist you with your application.
Residents in the electrical territory of FortisBC, the City of Nelson and the City of Penticton can apply here at fortisbc.com.
Are there other programs to help low-income residents with energy costs?
Yes. BC Hydro also has an energy conservation assistance program. If you live in an income qualified household, you can apply for this service at bchidro.com.
The products and upgrades you will receive will depend on the type of home and the individual characteristics of each home. They may include:
• LED bulbs and night light.
• High efficiency shower heads
• Faucet aerators
• Door seals
• Insulating wrap for hot water pipes
• Clothesline to dry clothes
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• ENERGY STAR Refrigerator Replacement
• Insulation in walls, attic or basement
Is there anything else I can do to stay cool?
While air conditioning is becoming an increasingly popular option, BC Hydro reminds customers that there are additional ways to stay cool and save money this summer, including:
• Close curtains and blinds: Shaded windows can block up to 65 percent of heat.
• Close doors and windows: If the temperature outside is warmer than inside, keeping doors and windows closed helps keep cooler air in and hot air out.
• Use a fan: Running a fan nine hours a day during the summer costs only $7.
What is the forecast for this summer?
Environment and Climate Change Canada has not yet released its seasonal forecast, but the British Columbia government says people should prepare for another hot, dry season.
The government says BC is experiencing higher annual summer temperatures and more extremely hot days due to climate change. According to the federal government, Western Canada is already on average one to two degrees warmer than it was in the 1940s.
This trend increases the likelihood of more extreme heat events, such as the 2021 heat dome, when more than 600 people died from heat-related illnesses.
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