How To Apply For A Connection

Homeowner initiates request

The homeowner (the person registered with BC Hydro) requests a new connection or an upgrade to an existing service. To help us meet your construction schedule, this request should be initiated in the planning stages of construction

Refer to BC Hydro's standard charges for connection costs.

To apply for service:

Electrician prepares for connection

  • Complete work in accordance with BC Hydro's requirements

    Ensure that BC Hydro's site requirements are met according to the following criteria:
    Overhead service Site Requirements
    Underground service Site Requirements

    If site requirements are not met when BC Hydro arrives, the crew will not be able to perform the work. This will result in a call-back charge. Learn more about causes of service rejections and suspensions.

    It may be necessary for a customer to install a private pole on their property to meet BC Hydro requirements.
    Learn more about pole requirements

  • Apply for an electrical permit

    Permit requirements vary depending on your area. Some areas of B.C. are governed by the BC Safety Authority, whereas some cities or districts issue municipal electrical permits. Learn more about what kind of electrical permit is required in your area.

    Once you have completed the work:

    • If the area you are requesting service for is governed by BC Safety Authority then the electrician should complete and fax a Contractor Authorization Form to BC Hydro at 1 866 266 6366. This form can be obtained from BC Safety Authority.
    • If the area you are requesting service for is governed by a city or district the electrician should contact the city or district issuing the permit to arrange an inspection. An electrical inspector will inspect the work and send confirmation, in the form of a permit, to BC Hydro.

  • Complete Declaration Form

    Complete the Declaration Form and fax to the BC Hydro regional office nearest to your service location
    For overhead service: Declaration Form [PDF, 93 Kb]
    For underground service: Declaration Form [PDF, 42 Kb]

  • Notify BC Hydro

    The electrician notifies BC Hydro if an onsite meeting with the BC Hydro crew is required when the service is being completed, by calling 1 877 520 1355.

BC Hydro connects power

  • Once all paperwork has been received and processed, BC Hydro will complete the work within 10 business days.
    Note: in the event of unforeseen circumstances, this could be longer.
  • For new connections, BC Hydro does not usually require an electrician to be on site.
  • For upgrades, BC Hydro will contact the electrician to confirm whether a site visit is necessary.
  • Depending on the service requested, your power may be disconnected to facilitate the work.

BC Hydro regional offices

Lower Mainland – Burnaby: 1 877 338 3341
Lower Mainland – Surrey: 1 877 338 3346
South Vancouver Island – Victoria: 1 877 338 3347
North Vancouver Island – Nanaimo: 1 866 338 3368
Thompson Shuswap – Kamloops: 1 866 998 9958
Northern Interior – Prince George: 1 866 338 3369
Kootenay Okanagan – Vernon: 1 877 448 4430

If you are unsure of which BC Hydro regional office to fax documents to, please call 1 877 520 1355 to hear the areas covered by each regional office.

Summary

Homeowner initiates request

Electrcian prepares for connection

BC Hydro connects power

Upgrades and new connections