The British Columbia government says the province鈥檚 Crown power utility is applying for a 2.3-per-cent rate increase starting in April, adding about $2 a month to the average residential bill.

A statement from the Energy Ministry says it鈥檚 the sixth year in a row that BC Hydro has applied for an increase below the rate of inflation.

It says rates are currently 15.6 per cent lower than the cumulative rate of inflation over the last seven years, starting in 2017-2018, and 12.4 per cent lower than the 10-year rates plan established by the previous government in 2013.

The ministry says the 鈥渕odest鈥� rate increase application comes after consideration of a variety of options and their long-term impacts, and the B.C. Utilities Commission is expected to decide on the plan by the end of February.

Chris O鈥橰iley, president of BC Hydro, says the rates application would keep electricity costs in the province among the lowest in North America while supporting investments in clean energy to power vehicles, homes and businesses.

Energy Minister Josie Osborne says it鈥檚 more important than ever to keep electricity bills down as the cost of living rises at rates that are unsustainable for many.

鈥淎ffordable, stable BC Hydro rates are good for people, businesses and climate as we work together to power our growing economy with renewable energy instead of fossil fuels,鈥� Osborne says in a statement issued Monday.

Earlier this year, the ministry said BC Hydro provided $315 million in cost-of-living bill credits to families and small businesses in the province, including those who receive their electricity service from FortisBC or a municipal utility.

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