Hydro One is giving small business in Sarnia-Lambton and across Ontario a leg up.
The utility is offering $3,000 in assistance and flexible payment options to struggling companies under its Small Business Pandemic Relief Program.
VP of Customer Service Spencer Gill said since the pandemic began last March, the outstanding balances of business customers have increased by 51 per cent.
"We are seeing businesses struggle more," said Gill. "They're carrying larger balances right now. I think with the closure of certain types of businesses across the province, we are seeing them struggle a lot more. So, what we're trying to do today is through this relief and through more flexible payment arrangements, help get them back on track."
Gill said residential customers behind on their payments can contact Hydro One to access the Pandemic Relief Program which has been supporting families since March.
This year's Ontario Economic Report by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce said business confidence reached an all-time low amid the pandemic.
The report says regions, including Sarnia-Lambton, and Windsor-Essex, saw the largest decline in employment in 2020. It says manufacturing is the primary sector locally and many local businesses have grappled with supply chain shortages and closures.
Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce CEO Allan Calvert said 60 per cent of respondents to their recent survey said their business shrank between April and September of last year. He said only 17 per cent of them said they showed any kind of growth.
"When you have these types of numbers from businesses, this is reflected in how many of them are managing their cash flow and addressing things like paying their hydro bill, and that's where Hydro One has stepped up. In the survey, the results provided by border communities and in our region, the numbers are off the charts in terms of how we've been impacted."
For more information about the program, or to apply for funding, you can call Hydro One at 1-888-664-9376.
