Trouble paying your BC Hydro bill?

If you're having trouble keeping up with your BC Hydro bills and are falling behind on payments, we're here to help.

There are a number of programs available to help you get back on track, reduce your electricity costs, and avoid disconnection of your service.

Payment plan options

Catch-up payment plans

If you can't pay the total amount owing, we can typically offer catch-up payment plans or flexible payment arrangements so you can pay the overdue amount over time in a series of payments. Your bill will show the status of your catch-up payments and your regular billing amount, so you'll always know how much is due.

Log in to MyHydro to set up a catch-up payment plan online, or request a plan by calling us at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376).

Defer a payment to a later date

If you're a residential customer and can't pay your bill by the due date, you may be eligible to defer the payment. You may still incur late payment charges. Request to defer a payment online or give us a call at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376).

Other payment programs that can help

• Equal payment plans: Winter bills are typically much higher than the rest of the year, and can be hard to manage. Equal payment plans allow you to spread out the cost of winter bills by paying an equal amount monthly through the year. 
• Alternatives to a security deposit: If you can't pay a security deposit that's been assessed on your account, you may be eligible for a different option.
• Auto-pay automatic withdrawals: You can set up pre-authorized automatic withdrawals from your bank account or schedule payments through MyHydro to ensure you don't fall behind on BC Hydro bills or your catch-up payment plan. 
  

Avoid a service disconnection

It's important that you pay your bill by the due date, which is indicated on your bill. If you have an online account you can also opt to receive a bill reminder email five days before your bill is due.

If you know you won't be able to pay your bill on time, you may be able to defer a payment. If you have a MyHydro account you can defer a payment online or by calling our customer service team at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376).

If no payment is received by the due date, a late charge of 1.5% per month will be added to your account for unpaid amounts of $30 or more. We'll then attempt to contact you by phone, mail, or email to remind you to pay. If no action is taken we may disconnect your electricity service.

If you make a late payment, report the payment online or by calling our customer service team to avoid a disruption to your service.

Grants for residential customers facing disconnection

Are you experiencing a temporary financial crisis, such as a loss of employment, unanticipated medical expenses, or a death in the family? Are you falling behind on your BC Hydro bills because of it? You can apply to the Customer Crisis Fund for a grant payment to avoid disconnection.

The program is available to residential customers only. Your total amount owing needs to be less than $1,000, and typically you'll need to have made attempts to make payments.

Grants are available up to $600 and will be applied directly on your BC Hydro bill against the amount owing. The grant doesn't need to be repaid.

Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

Free energy-saving products and advice for lower-income customers

Customers in income-qualifying households can receive free energy-saving products that can help save money on electricity, water, and gas usage. Reducing your usage can help lower your bills and make it easier to manage your electricity costs.

Some customers are also eligible for a free home assessment and energy-efficient upgrades.

Learn more about conservation programs for income-qualifying customers.