26 Mar, 2025
Electrical Planning Report vs. EV Ready Plan: What’s the Difference?
Electric Vehicles, Electrical Planning Reports

Electrical Planning Report vs. EV Ready Plan: What’s the Difference?

If you’re part of a BC strata council preparing for electric vehicle (EV) charging or heat pump installations, you’ve likely heard two similar-sounding terms: Electrical Planning Report (EPR) and EV Ready Plan.

Although they’re often discussed together, these are two separate tools with different purposes. Let’s break down the differences so your strata can plan confidently—and avoid confusion.

What Is an Electrical Planning Report?

An Electrical Planning Report is a mandatory, one-time report required under Bill 22 for all strata corporations with five or more units in BC. Deadlines range from December 2026 to 2028, depending on your region.

This report gives your building a full electrical check-up. It includes:

  • Current system capacity and usage
  • Existing electrical loads (lighting, EVs, HVAC, etc.)
  • Future demand projections
  • Recommendations for upgrades or load reduction

It’s a big-picture document meant to help you plan for increasing electricity needs—not just EVs, but also heat pumps, modern ventilation, and more.

✅ Legally required
📁 One-time report
⚙️ Focused on overall building capacity

What Is an EV Ready Plan?

An EV Ready Plan is optional, but often required when applying for rebates through BC Hydro or CleanBC. It focuses exclusively on how to install EV chargers in your building.

This plan includes:

  • Charging design layouts
  • Stall-by-stall electrical needs
  • Cost estimates and timelines
  • Shared energy management strategies

It’s a practical guide to making your strata “EV ready”—but it does not assess your building’s overall electrical system.

⚡ Not legally required
🚘 EV-specific
💰 Often needed for rebate applications

Can You Do One Without the Other?

No—they’re not interchangeable. Most stratas pursuing EV infrastructure will need both:

  • The EPR ensures your building can handle the load
  • The EV Ready Plan maps out charger installation

Together, they create a complete strategy—and can often be developed side by side.

In short:

  • The EPR is your electrical system’s big-picture roadmap
  • The EV Ready Plan is your EV charger installation blueprint

Understanding both ensures your building is safe, compliant, and future-ready.