B.C. announces free air conditioners for some vulnerable people

Some vulnerable British Columbians will be eligible to receive a free air conditioning unit through a new partnership with BC Hydro.

Health Minister Adrian Dix made the announcement on Tuesday during the two-year anniversary of the deadly 2021 heat dome.

“As we know, the majority of those who passed away during the heat dome were 70 years of age or older, and 90 per cent were over the age of 60,” Dix said at the announcement in Vancouver.

“Vulnerable people are among [those] most likely to experience the effects of extreme heat and suffer from these climate change related impacts.”

Through the $10 million partnership, 8,000 vulnerable British Columbians will receive a free air conditioning unit over the next three years. Those who get the units will also receive training on how to use them. Installation of the units is set to begin next year.

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In addition to the government partnership, Dix explained that BC Hydro has other programs in place that offer free air conditioning to those in need, making the number of units available in the province closer to 10,000.

As for who gets the free cooling systems, Dix says applications will be taken through BC Hydro, which may require proof of a medical assessment. To help pay for increased electricity costs, Dix says BC Hydro has programs in place to help certain people keep up with payments.

A total of 619 people died during the multiple-day heat event in 2021, which brought record-breaking temperatures to much of B.C. The BC Coroners Service says the majority of those who died were low-income and vulnerable people who were 60 years of age and older.

A key recommendation from the coroner during a death review panel was for the government to provide air conditioning units to those living in single-room apartments.

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“Many people in B.C. struggle with extreme heat and often have limited options available when it comes to cooling,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO of BC Hydro. “We are committed to providing assistance through new funding for free air-conditioning units for vulnerable and low-income customers as well as a new rebate offer for all residential customers.”