Since the pandemic began, outstanding balances
of business customers have increased by 51 per cent
TORONTO, Jan. 28, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, Hydro One announced
a Small Business Pandemic Relief Program to provide financial
assistance and flexibility to its small business customers when
they need it most. Since the pandemic began, the company has seen
the outstanding balances of business customers increase by 51 per
cent. Combined with the Government of Ontario's COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program
(CEAP) for Small Business, Hydro One's new relief program will help
connect customers with up to $3,000
in financial assistance.
"Small businesses are the heart of a community and they are
facing serious challenges during this unprecedented time,"
said Mark Poweska, President and CEO, Hydro One. "As a
customer-driven organization, we believe we have an important
responsibility to support local economies and help small businesses
with financial relief and flexibility. Our Customer Care Team is
ready to quickly connect customers with up to $3,000 of financial assistance, government relief
and flexible payment plans to allow business owners to focus on
what matters – staying safe and making it through this challenging
time."
"Our government stands by small businesses and continues to
deliver urgent electricity relief for businesses impacted by
COVID-19 restrictions," said Greg
Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and
Mines. "Hydro One's new program is welcomed relief for small
businesses as they continue working overtime to support local
economies and strengthen communities."
"As drivers of economic growth across Ontario, small businesses need our help now
more than ever," said Rocco Rossi,
President and CEO, Ontario Chamber
of Commerce. "Through Hydro One's new Small Business Pandemic
Relief Program, small businesses across the province will get
access to supports they need and deserve. Thank you to the entire
Hydro One team for showing leadership during this challenging
time."
According to Statistics Canada, small businesses represent 98
per cent of all employer businesses in Canada and were more likely to experience a
decrease in revenue in the current economic environment. Hydro
One's new relief program will support local economies at a time
when it is needed most. If you are a small business owner and need
assistance, please call 1-888-664-9376. Hydro One's Customer
Contact Centre is open Monday to Friday 7:30
a.m. – 8 p.m.
In addition to Hydro One's Small Business Pandemic Relief
Program, residential customers behind on their payments can contact
Hydro One to access its Pandemic Relief Program, which has been
providing residential customers with financial support and payment
flexibility since March.
Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)
Hydro One Limited, through
its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest
electricity transmission and distribution provider with
approximately 1.4 million valued customers,
approximately $27.1 billion in assets as at December
31, 2019, and annual revenues in 2019 of approximately $6.5
billion. Our team of approximately 8,800 skilled and dedicated
employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable
electricity system, which is essential to supporting strong and
successful communities. In 2019, Hydro One invested
approximately $1.7 billion in its transmission and
distribution networks and supported the economy through buying
approximately $1.5 billion of goods and services. We are
committed to the communities where we live and work through
community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We
are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Company by the Canadian
Electricity Association. Hydro One Limited's common shares are
listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes
are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed
at www.HydroOne.com; www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov.
SOURCE Hydro One Inc.