BC mining companies may get help paying for electricity

Mining companies in British Columbia may be able to defer paying their electricity bills, the Mines Minister Bill Bennett tells NEWS 1130.

Given low commodity prices and the general struggles of the resource industry, Bennett said mining companies could escape expected Hydro bill rate hikes in 2016 if all "the pieces can be put together."

"There might be a deferral opportunity for power costs for the mining industry starting in 2016 if we can put all the pieces together and it makes sense," Mines Minister Bill Bennett told NEWS 1130.

BC Hydro expects to raise rates by 28% over the next five years.

When elected Premier Christy Clark made mine expansion in the province a major initiative, but recent layoffs have hurt the industry with Teck announcing 1,000 job cuts in November.