How express connections work

• An electrical connection request can be initiated by:
  • A residential customer, or an individual with signing authority on behalf of a company; or
  • An electrical contractor
• Requests can be submitted through MyHydro or by calling 1 877 520 1355.
• If you’re a customer submitting a request, it’s best to discuss the details of your project with an electrical contractor beforehand.

For help using MyHydro, see our guide.

• Ensure the customer submitting the application has the appropriate account authorization and/or signing authority.
• Review and process initial project request documentation submitted online within two business days. If we identify any additional project complexities, we’ll forward your request to the electrical design connect intake team for further review.
• Approve permits within two business days of receipt, either directly from the electrical contractor or municipality.
• Advise customers of applicable charges and next steps, and request additional information, if required.
• Once all documents, application and charges are approved, we’ll contact the electrical contractor to arrange a workwith, where a BC Hydro specialist accompanies them on the job, if indicated as a requirement on the electrical contractor declaration.

• A residential customer, or an individual with signing authority on behalf of a company can complete an application for an express connection via MyHydro or by calling 1 877 520 1355.
• To complete the application, you’ll be asked to provide the following details:
  • The address where the project will occur,
  • The estimated number of amps and volts needed, and
  • A summary of the scope of work. If you’re unsure as a customer, you can ask your electrical contractor to share these project details with you.

• After logging in to MyHydro, select Start a Connection Request under the top left drop-down menu. If the customer has already initiated the request, select Link a Connection Request under the top left menu, then add the request number given to you by the customer to continue the application initiated by them. If the customer hasn’t already initiated a connection, simply fill out the form fields as prompted.
• In both circumstances, as a contractor, you’ll need to fill out your basic contact information as well as details about the service.
• Next, you’ll be asked to complete the electrical contractor declaration. This confirms that the electrical service infrastructure is compliant with our requirements. See: overhead and underground requirements.
• Ensure the declaration includes accurate technical information about the project scope. Incomplete or incorrect information may result in delays or resubmission.

• Apply for a permit and arrange an inspection with the municipal electrical inspector. The electrical inspector is then responsible for emailing the approved permit directly to the express connect team to authorize connection.
• If a two-trip workwith is required, the inspection must be scheduled on the same day as the workwith. In some circumstances the permit may need to be provided on-site. This will give us the authorization we need to reconnect.

The electrical contractor must provide us with a valid permit number via MyHydro, by email or by phone. In MyHydro:

1. Select View Connection Requests.
2. Select the relevant request.
3. Within the Actions Required section, select the Submit Permit button next to Electrical Contractor Authorization.
4. Select the project jurisdiction and enter the permit number.

In the event a permit is placed on hold by an electrical inspector, we must also place a hold on the connection and obtain authorization from the electrical inspector before moving forward. You’re responsible for following up on any holds with your electrical inspector.

• If you’ve applied for service through MyHydro, you’ll receive an email, or a phone call from an express connect representative letting you know it’s time to approve charges.
• To accept fees online, ensure you’ve linked your MyHydro profile to the request created by your electrical contractor.
• Log in to MyHydro or call 1 877 520 1355 to approve connection fees. In MyHydro:
  1. Select View Connection Requests.
  2. Select the request number.
  3. Within the Action Required table, you’ll be prompted to approve charges.
• You can expect to see the charges on your first MyHydro bill after the work has been done.

• Ensure the steps outlined above have been completed including the application, approval of connection charges, electrical contractor declaration and electrical permit. 

• Verify your electrical contractor has completed all of the necessary steps.
• Ensure you’ve accepted the connection charges.
• Forward your request to our qualified power line technicians and/or meter technicians to install the meter and connect the wires.