Build and support your network
Make use of the pole top space of our distribution poles with the distribution pole top wireless attachment program. Installing a taller pole allows you to mount antennas up to 15 meters above ground, connected to your nearby control equipment and powered by our electricity service.
If you ever encounter an issue with your pole top equipment, we’ll connect you with our maintenance team who can access your equipment and work with you on a resolution.
How it works
Here’s the complete process for attaching your pole top wireless device 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.
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 step 1
To start your mid pole wireless attachment request, submit the following to attachments@bchydro.com:
- A completed conceptual viability review form [PDF, 94 KB].
Pole Top Wireless Attachment – Photo Guidelines and Tagging [PDF, 45 KB]
- All required documents as outlined in the application, including the application fee.
Upon receiving your application, we’ll evaluate it to determine the proposal’s feasibility. In most cases, this takes us approximately four to six weeks, depending on the proposed attachment’s complexity and how many other applications we’re processing at the same time.
4. Attachment application step 2
After receiving approval from us, start step 2 of your application by submitting the following to attachments@bchydro.com:
- A completed technical identification and design form [PDF, 97 KB].
Pole Top Wireless Attachment – Photo Guidelines and Tagging [PDF, 45 KB]
Pole Top Wireless Attachment – RF Data Collection Summary [XLSX, 35 KB]
- All required documents as outlined in the application, including the application fee.
Upon receiving your application, we’ll complete a technical identification review and provide a quote for the design deposit. In most cases, this takes us approximately two months, depending on how many other applications we’re processing at the same time.
5. Design phase
Once we receive the design deposit and all required documentation, we’ll analyze the proposed attachments. This analysis determines the BC Hydro make-ready work needed to allow for safe attachment to our distribution poles, which includes replacing the distribution pole with a taller pole.
Once the analysis is complete, we’ll send a construction cost letter detailing the costs associated with required work.
In most cases, it takes us approximately six months to complete the design and send you the construction cost letter, depending on the number of requested attachments, permitting requirements, and how many other applications we’re processing at the same time.
6. Construction phase
Upon receiving construction funding, we’ll complete the work identified during the definition phase. This includes pole replacement and antenna installation onto the pole.
In most cases, it takes us approximately three to five months to complete our construction work, depending on construction resource availability, seasonal restrictions, and outage requirements.
You’re responsible for securing all necessary permits (such as municipal and environmental) and completing public consultation before installing your equipment.
7. Close-out phase
Upon project completion, we’ll reconcile the actual costs and issue reconciliation cost letters accordingly. You’ll be required to submit As-Built drawings for our records that meet the pole top wireless As-Built requirements [PDF, 46 KB].
Contact us
If you have questions or need support with the application process for the distribution pole top wireless 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 C3-01 for applicable pole top standards.