Electrical Planning Reports and BC Hydro
Electrical Planning ReportsElectrical Planning Reports for the BC Hydro Service Territory
Across British Columbia, change is in the air—and it’s powered by electricity.
Whether it’s installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers in condo parkades, switching to heat pumps to move away from fossil fuels, or planning for greener upgrades down the road, strata corporations are facing one big question: Can our building handle the load?
That’s where Electrical Planning Reports (EPRs) come in. These reports are now required by law and are especially critical within the BC Hydro service territory, where demand for electrification is rising fast.
If you’re on a strata council, a property manager, or even just a homeowner trying to make sense of what’s next—this guide is for you.
What Is an Electrical Planning Report?
An Electrical Planning Report is a one-time, technical document that evaluates the electrical system of a strata property. It measures current electrical capacity, looks at how much electricity is being used, and projects future needs—especially for things like EV charging, heat pumps, and modern electrical systems.
Think of it as a roadmap that helps you understand your building’s electrical limits—and how to prepare for what’s coming next.
A Proactive Step Toward Smart Growth
As BC Hydro notes, EPRs aren’t just about meeting code—they’re about managing infrastructure wisely in a time of rapid energy transition. With more people driving EVs and ditching gas heating, we’re putting unprecedented pressure on older buildings that were never designed for this kind of load.
Who Needs an EPR—and When?
Under Bill 22, strata corporations across BC with five or more strata lots are now legally required to obtain an EPR.
Mandatory Deadlines Based on Location
The deadlines to complete an EPR depend on where your strata is located:
By December 31, 2026
- Stratas in the Metro Vancouver Regional District
- Fraser Valley Regional District
- Capital Regional District (Southern Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands, excluding islands accessible only by air/boat)
By December 31, 2028
- All other areas in BC Hydro’s service territory, including:
- The Southern Gulf Islands
- Bowen Island
- Other rural and remote communities
New Strata Developments
- Must obtain an EPR within five years of the strata plan being deposited.
No exceptions. No opting out with a ¾ vote. These reports are a new must-have—just like depreciation reports and Form B certificates.
What Does the EPR Need to Include?
According to BC Hydro’s official guidance, a compliant EPR must evaluate several key factors, all based on site visits, utility data, and future forecasts.
Key Components of a Compliant EPR
- Current electrical capacity of the building or strata complex
- Existing electrical loads (lighting, EV charging, elevators, ventilation, etc.)
- Peak demand and spare capacity
- Future projected needs, including:
- EV charger installations
- Heat pump retrofits (replacing gas furnaces or boilers)
- Make-up air units and hot water systems
- Strategies for demand reduction, such as:
- Converting to LED lighting
- Photovoltaic (solar) systems
- Load balancing and EV energy management systems
- Upgrade recommendations for increasing system capacity
- Utility delivery limits and available capacity from BC Hydro
The goal? Give your strata a realistic picture of what your electrical system can handle—and what changes might be needed to support growth.
Who Can Prepare an EPR?
Not just any contractor can prepare an EPR. The Province has set qualifications to ensure reports are accurate, reliable, and based on professional assessments.
Qualified EPR Providers
Depending on your building type, an EPR can be prepared by:
- A professional electrical engineer
- A registered applied science technologist
- A licensed journeyperson electrician (for Part 9 buildings under the BC Building Code)
These professionals will assess your building’s infrastructure and create a report tailored to your strata’s current and future needs.
How to Get Started: A Step-by-Step Approach
Starting early is key—especially if your deadline is approaching. Here’s how most strata corporations begin the process.
Step-by-Step EPR Planning
- Survey owners: Are residents planning to buy EVs or install heat pumps?
- Gather documents: You’ll need utility bills, site plans, and equipment lists
- Secure access: The provider will need access to:
- Electrical rooms and closets
- Mechanical and elevator systems
- Roofs, parkades, and alternative energy systems
- Issue an RFP: Use CHOA’s sample template and tailor it for your property
- Schedule the site visit and allow time for questions and revisions
- Budget for the EPR: This can be funded through your contingency reserve fund (CRF) or operating fund with proper approval
Key Takeaways for Strata Councils
Here’s a quick reference list of what to keep in mind when it comes to EPRs in the BC Hydro service area:
- ✅ Required by law for all strata corporations with 5+ units
- 🗓️ Deadlines: Dec 31, 2026 or Dec 31, 2028 depending on location
- 📁 Must be attached to Form B and stored permanently
- 🧑🔧 Must be completed by a qualified professional
- 🔌 Helps prepare for EV charging, heat pumps, and electrification
- 💡 Supports load reduction strategies and safer infrastructure planning
Summary
Electrical Planning Reports are now part of doing business for strata corporations across BC—and especially within the BC Hydro service territory, where growth and electrification are accelerating.
These reports aren’t just about meeting a regulation—they’re about preparing your building, your residents, and your budget for what’s ahead. From EVs to clean energy heating, your community needs a plan. And EPRs help get you there.
If your strata hasn’t started planning yet, now is the time. Your deadline might be years away, but the smartest communities are getting a head start—and locking in better service, pricing, and peace of mind along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an EV Ready Plan replace the need for an EPR?
No. While EV Ready Plans are useful for specific EV infrastructure rebates, they do not replace the legal requirement for an Electrical Planning Report.
Can we use the contingency reserve fund (CRF) to pay for the EPR?
Yes. Since it’s a one-time cost, you can pay for the EPR from your CRF with majority approval at a general meeting.
What happens if our building needs a BC Hydro service upgrade?
If your EPR reveals that your building doesn’t have enough utility capacity, you may need to work with BC Hydro to increase service. The cost is typically the responsibility of the strata.
Is this requirement only for city buildings?
No. The regulation applies to all strata corporations across BC, including those in rural and remote areas served by BC Hydro.
Do we need to redo the EPR every few years?
No. It’s a one-time report, unless major renovations or system upgrades significantly change your building’s electrical profile.