City of Penticton utility customers will soon receive a $100 cost-of-living credit, following an announcement from B.C.’s new premier David Eby on Friday, Nov. 18.
While residential customers will receive the $100 sometime in January, non-residential customers will benefit from a pro-rated credit based on yearly usage.
“This is positive news for our residents, as well as residents of other communities not served directly by BC Hydro, as they will receive equal access to the hydro bill credit announced today,” said Donny van Dyk, Penticton’s chief administrative officer.
The credit will impact 17,700 residential and 2,100 non-residential customers in Penticton, the city said. It has yet to be determined when the pro-rated credit will take effect.
“We’ve consistently communicated our concerns to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation that all electrical customers need to be treated equally and appreciate those concerns were heeded and addressed, leaving all British Columbians who are struggling with the increased costs of electricity to get some needed assistance,” van Dyk added.
Penticton is one of five municipalities in B.C. that operate its own utility, along with Fortis.
As part of Friday’s provincial announcement, the city will receive a total of $900,000 to allocate amongst non-residential customers.
During the province’s initial COVID-19 relief efforts — under the leadership of John Horgan — an affordability rebate was provided to BC Hydro customers, excluding Penticton residents from additional support. The city’s council at the time wrote a letter to the premier’s office, saying all electrical users should be treated equally.
Eby’s busy first day as premier continued when he also established a BC Affordability Credit for low-and middle-income residents.
READ MORE: New B.C. Premier David Eby sworn in, announces $100 electricity credit