Vehicles with high loads
Transporting oversized loads around power lines
To transport oversized loads, plan ahead to get the proper permitting and to stay safe around power lines. Oversized loads include large equipment, buildings, and commodities over 4.88 metres in height.
Transporting high loads in B.C. requires a permit from Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE). Before you can secure a permit, your application must be approved by us and other relevant local authorities and utilities.
Request a high load move
High load move requests must be submitted to us by the carrier when moving loads over 4.88 meters (16.01 feet) high through or near BC Hydro owned systems and assets. The move may require us to adjust our power lines or other assets to protect near live electrical equipment.
To get authorization from BC Hydro for a high load move, or to change or cancel a previous request, submit your request online.
What you’ll need
- Carrier contact information
- Completed page 1 of CVSE1052 form
- Load details
- Route check (if applicable)
- High-voltage contractor information (if applicable)
A route assessment and/or clearance survey is the carrier’s responsibility; refer to the B.C. Government’s Commercial Transport Procedures Manual, section 6.4.4. Also refer to WorkSafe BC’s regulation on minimum clearance when passing under exposed electrical equipment.
When to submit your request
High load move requests must be submitted at least 10 business days before the move.
Complex high load moves that require work coordination with BC Hydro and/or a planned outage must be submitted at least 25 business days before the move.
The most complex requests can take up to 60 business days to process.
After our review
Once your high load move request has been reviewed, we’ll contact you with next steps. This will include signging a High Load Move Support Agreement [PDF, 98 KB].
If the move requires work from BC Hydro, fees will apply. An estimate will be provided, and upfront payment is required before work can begin.
Questions
If you have questions about requesting a high load move, email us at highloadmoves@bchydro.com.