Support and grow your network
The distribution wireline attachment program offers a practical solution to support and grow your network. Eligible attachments include telecom cables and power supply and cathodic protection boxes.
How it works
Here’s the complete process for attaching your wireline to our distribution poles:
1. Initial consultation
Before submitting your application, we recommend contacting us to discuss the overall project and your proposed attachment plans. Please email us at attachments@bchydro.com with the location of interest (latitude and longitude) and a high-level scope summary showing the proposed route.
2. Master Services Agreement and Program Schedule
If you don’t have a Master Services Agreement, follow our instructions for new customers.
3. Attachment application
To start your distribution wireline attachment application, submit the following to attachments@bchydro.com:
- A completed distribution pole attachment application [PDF, 184 KB].
Distribution Pole Attachment – Data Collection Summary Template [XLSX, 1.5 MB]
All required documents as outlined in the application, including the application fee.
Once we receive your complete application, we’ll review it and provide a quote for the design deposit. In most cases, this takes us approximately four to six weeks, depending on the number of requested attachments and how many other applications we’re processing at the same time.
4. Design phase
Once we receive the design deposit, we’ll complete a thorough review and analysis of the proposed attachments. This analysis determines if any BC Hydro make-ready work is required to allow for safe attachment to our distribution poles.
BC Hydro make-ready work may involve:
- Moving existing BC Hydro or telecom lines for proper spacing
- Adding and/or replacing anchors
- Installing secondary power for power supply boxes
- Replacing poles
Once the analysis is complete, we’ll proceed with the make-ready design and issue a letter detailing the construction costs of completing the required make-ready work.
In most cases, it takes us approximately one year to issue the construction cost letter after we receive the design deposit, depending on the number of requested attachments, permitting requirements, and how many other applications we’re processing at the same time.
5. Construction phase
Upon receiving construction funding, we’ll complete the make‑ready work identified in the design phase.
In most cases, it takes us approximately three to six months to complete our construction work, depending on the extent of the make-ready work required, construction resource availability, seasonal restrictions, and outage requirements.
Once the make-ready work is complete, we’ll issue a Specific Permit of Occupation (SPO) that authorizes attaching your wireline to our distribution poles. You’re responsible for securing all necessary permits (such as municipal and environmental) and land rights before installing your equipment.
6. Close-out phase
Upon project completion, you’ll be required to provide Notice of Completion including record drawings.
Contact us
If you have questions or need support with the application process for the distribution wireline attachment program, email us at attachments@bchydro.com.
Applicable BC Hydro Standards
Design drawings for submission must align with applicable BC Hydro standards. These standards form the basis of our structural and electrical review during the definition phase and must be adhered to for all third-party attachments to our distribution poles. Refer to ES43 Section B and ES43 Section C for applicable standards.