Upgrades and Relocations of Residential Electrical Service

Want to relocate your electrical service connection point and/or increase the size of your existing electrical service?

You need to initiate a request to upgrade/relocate your existing electrical service.

To enable us to meet your schedule, the request should be initiated in the planning stages of your residential project. This will enable us to meet your project schedule and provide you the required electric service.

Here are the steps required to get your service completed.

Step 1 - Customer and / or electrician initiates request for residential electric service

To initiate a request for electrical service, download a copy of the Guide to Get Connected [PDF, 77 Kb] and pre-application checklist. This checklist enables the customer and/or electrician to collect required information prior to completing the application either online or by using our printable forms.

Step 2 - Customer completes online application

Get connected now using our online application. The applicant must be responsible for paying the electric service bills when the service is connected.

OR

Complete and fax your printed application [PDF, 143 Kb].

Step 3 - BC Hydro processes application

BC Hydro will review your application and contact you if any further information or payment is required. Your service connection application will be segmented into one of two categories:

• Express Connection - a simple relocation or increase to the size of your existing electrical service for a standard charge (120/240 volts, up to 225 Amps and not more than 30 metres).
• Designed Connection - an extension to or modification of BC Hydro's electrical system to accommodate your requested electrical service changes. An electrical design will be required.

The following steps pertain to Express Connections only.

Step 4 - Electrician prepares for connection

a) Review B.C. Hydro requirements
For overhead requirements, see Customer Guide and Declaration - Overhead Residential Services [PDF, 116 Kb].
For underground requirements, see Customer Guide and Declaration - Underground Residential Services [PDF, 93 Kb].

b) Complete electrical work
The electrical work must be completed to the stage that allows for safe connection.

c) Submit BC Hydro declaration and Electrical Safety authorization

• BC Hydro overhead or underground declaration and the Electrical Safety - Contractor Authorization is required or ensure notification is sent from the electrical inspector indicating that electrical service is safe for connection

Step 5 - Get connected

When you have completed all of the required steps, BC Hydro will confirm your scheduled date for an upgrade or relocation to an existing service connection.