Free AC for qualifying BC residents during provincial heat wave

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – As residents throughout B.C. continue to weather an extreme heat wave, BC Hydro’s free air conditioner program continues to be available. 

The program offers one free portable wheeled air conditioner per qualifying household, with no fees and free shipping. 

Renters must submit approval from their landlords, and owners must prove that their house has a total value equal to or less than $1.23 million in the BC Assessment listing for the current year. 

Eligibility criteria include income qualification, with the household’s combined income from all members 18 years and older. 

The maximum household income before tax for a one-person household must be equal to or less than $39,700; for two people, it must be $49,500. 

The cap for three is $60,800, and for a four-person household, the maximum total household income before tax to qualify is $73,800. 

Individuals who do not meet these income criteria may also be eligible for the program if they have received a recommendation letter from a regional health authority’s Home Care Program. 

Individuals can apply throughout the year, however the application and approval process can take several weeks.