Province providing free air conditioners to combat heat emergencies

The B.C. government is going to make it easier for people with low incomes, or those who are medically vulnerable, to stay cool.

The province is providing $10 million for BC Hydro to provide free, publicly funded portable air conditioners through its energy conservation assistance program to help people who are the most vulnerable during extreme heat emergencies.

B.C. Hydro expects to install 8,000 air-conditioning units over the next three years for people who have low incomes and are medically vulnerable to heat.

“Many people in B.C. struggle with extreme heat and often have limited options available when it comes to cooling,” Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, BC Hydro, said.

“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.”

The action comes after a death review panel by the BC Coroners Service found that most of the 619 people who died during the province’s heat dome in 2021 were low-income and vulnerable people aged 60 and older.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said they have taken steps so the province and health care system are better prepared for extreme heat emergencies.

“We’re ensuring more people have the tools and supports they need to stay safe during extraordinary heat events. As well, we’re making record investments to our ambulance services and team-based primary care to strengthen our health system,” Dix said.

Dix said people can apply for the units on their own or health officials working with elderly people will be able to help them get the device.

Hydro’s Chris O’Reilly says the utility will also offer all customers $50 off purchases of qualified, energy-saving air-conditioning units.

Other actions are underway to better protect people most at risk during extreme heat emergencies including:

• investing $369 million to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, which supports communities in mitigating and preparing for disasters and climate-related emergencies;
• providing more than $52 million to support long-term care facilities to install or upgrade existing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems;
• distributing an emergency inventory of cooling and clean air items to non-profit operators, through BC Housing; and
• connecting home and community care providers to people who are most at risk, such as through chronic disease registries.

“Extreme weather is now part of our reality because of climate change and it’s important that people, especially those most at risk from extreme heat, have the supports they need to stay safe,” Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, said. “Making cooling units more available, in addition to other services, will help people and families in B.C. be better protected during extreme heat emergencies.”

For information about BC Hydro’s portable air conditioner program, click here.