Extend your telecom network
Attach your telecom cables to our transmission structures with the transmission wireline attachment program. Make use of pole space all the way from remote communities with limited network access to highly populated urban regions in need of network densification.
How it works
Here’s the complete process for attaching your equipment to our transmission structures:
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
Complete the appropriate request form based on whether you’re installing new equipment or modifying an existing installation:
- New attachment request form [PDF, 97 KB]
- Data collection sheet [XLSX, 1.5 MB]
Submit the required documents as outlined in the application form, including the application fee, to attachments@bchydro.com.
Once we receive your complete application, we’ll evaluate it to determine the proposal’s feasibility. If your request is approved, we’ll send you a letter outlining the costs and documentation required to complete a design.
In most cases, it takes us approximately two months to finish our review and send you the design cost letter, depending on how many other applications we’re processing at the same time.
4. Design phase
Once we receive the design funding and all required documentation, we’ll analyze the proposed attachment. This assessment determines whether any BC Hydro make-ready work is needed to support the attachment to our transmission structures.
Following the analysis, we’ll issue a cost letter outlining the costs of any required BC Hydro make-ready work.
In most cases, it takes us approximately six months to complete our analysis 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.
5. Construction phase
Once we receive the construction funding, we’ll complete the work identified during the design phase. This may include activities such as detailed design for make-ready work and the construction required.
In most cases, it takes approximately three to six months to complete our construction work, depending on the number of requested attachments, permitting requirements, and how many other applications we’re processing at the same time.
Once the make-ready work is complete, we’ll issue a Specific Permit of Occupation (SPO) that authorizes attaching your wireline to our transmission structures. You’re responsible for obtaining all necessary permits before installing your equipment. However, note that depending on the structure, we may be required to install your equipment due to the lines being high-voltage.
6. 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 transmission structure As-Built requirements [PDF, 63 KB].
Contact us
If you have questions or need support with the application process for the transmission wireline attachment program, email us at attachments@bchydro.com.
Applicable standards
All ground-based equipment near our transmission towers must follow IEEE and the Canadian Electric Code.