Exercising discretion can make a big difference to people in need.

Mike called our office when BC Hydro disconnected his residential service. He told us that his residential account was in good standing, but several of his business accounts were overdue and had been previously disconnected. He owed approximately $24,000.

Mike contacted BC Hydro customer service and offered to pay half of his debt immediately and the remaining $12,000 within 30 days if BC Hydro agreed to reconnect his residential account. However, BC Hydro demanded the full amount immediately. Mike said he, his wife, and four children were experiencing significant hardship, including food spoilage and a lack of heat, due to BC Hydro disconnecting his residential account.

BC Hydro confirmed Mike owed about $24,000 across his business accounts and that this had been the case for several months. BC Hydro also informed us that Mike had not been willing to address these debts.

In consultation with our office, BC Hydro agreed to Mike’s offer to reconnect his residential account if he paid half, or $12,000, immediately. Payment arrangements were set up for Mike to pay the outstanding balance and his residential account was reconnected. If Mike failed to fulfill his repayment obligations, BC Hydro indicated his residential service would be disconnected again.