VICTORIA – New Democrats proposed legislation today to protect low-income families from the B.C. Liberals’ reckless hydro rate increases.

“Many families across B.C. simply cannot afford to pay the exorbitant hydro rate increases that are set to take effect next week,” said New Democrat energy critic John Horgan. “Since the B.C. Liberals continue to make life less affordable for families, we’ve taken steps today to mitigate the looming rate increases and protect those who will be hurt the most.”

The Hydro Affordability Act would give the British Columbia Utilities Commission the authority to require B.C. Hydro to offer a discounted lifeline rate in order to maintain the affordability of energy for eligible low-income British Columbians. To qualify for a lifeline rate, families or individuals would have to demonstrate their need based on household income and number of persons residing in the household.

The B.C. Liberals recently announced that hydro rates will increase by 28 per cent over the next five years.

“British Columbians struggling to provide the basic necessities for their families should not be forced to decide between feeding their families and keeping the heat on. These hydro rate increases are going to hit people’s pocketbooks – but they’re especially going to hurt the most vulnerable.

“The B.C. Liberals created this problem to begin with, and with this legislation they have an opportunity, at a minimum, to do what’s right and bring in protective measures that will stop low-income families from falling further behind.”

Horgan added that a new web page has been set up to invite British Columbians affected by the Liberals’ reckless rate increases. People can submit their stories at https://www.bcndpcaucus.ca/recklessrates