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:- Call 1 877 520 1355; or
- Complete an online application form.
- Download the application form [PDF, 52 Kb] and fax or email the completed application to the BC Hydro regional office nearest to your service location.
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:
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 or email a Contractor Authorization Form to the BC Hydro regional office nearest to your service location. 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 or email to the BC Hydro regional office nearest to your service location
- 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 office fax numbers and email addresses
Lower Mainland – Burnaby
Toll free: 1 877 338 3341
Email: lmc.escc@bchydro.com
Lower Mainland – Surrey
Toll free: 1 877 338 3346
Email: fv.escc@bchydro.com
South Vancouver Island – Victoria
Toll free: 1 877 338 3347
Email: svi.escc@bchydro.com
North Vancouver Island – Nanaimo
Toll free: 1 866 338 3368
Email: nvi.escc@bchydro.com
Thompson Shuswap – Kamloops
Toll free: 1 866 998 9958
Email: ts.escc@bchydro.com
Northern Interior – Prince George
Toll free: 1 866 338 3369
Email: nr.escc@bchydro.com
Kootenay Okanagan – Vernon
Toll free: 1 877 448 4430
Email: ok.escc@bchydro.com
If you are unsure of which BC Hydro regional office to fax or email documents to, please call 1 877 520 1355 to hear the areas covered by each regional office. Please note that email is monitored for documentation only. For all other inquiries please call 1 877 520 1355.
Upgrades and new connections
