Design connections

If you answer "yes" to one or more of the following questions, you should proceed with a design connection request.

Otherwise, your project should likely be handled as an express connection request instead.
 

Service location

• Is your service location further than 30 metres (three school buses) away from a BC Hydro pole or service box?
• Is your request related to a new subdivision?
• Does the related structure include four or more electrical service meters, or a metering/electrical room?
   

Service size

• Does your project require an electrical connection that exceeds 200 Amps?
• Does your project require a three-phase 120/208 V or 347/600 V service (typical for large commercial or industrial structures)? 
   

Infrastructure

• Have clearances to existing BC Hydro equipment [PDF, 300 KB] been considered for building and maintaining your structures?
• Does your electrical connection require existing BC Hydro equipment to be moved?
• Does a pole or guy wire need to be relocated?
• Does a transformer need to be installed? See Underground transformation options for space constrained urban developments [PDF, 327 KB] for additional guidance.
• Does a transformer need to be upgraded to increase capacity?
   

Permitting

• Do you need a development permit from the local municipality?

• Begin by discussing your electrical needs with an electrician, electrical consultant or developer who's experienced with our electrical connection requirements. 
• The technical requirements of your request will determine whether it falls within the express connection or design connection category. These technical details include but are not limited to: 
  • The distance between your project location and existing BC Hydro infrastructure that supplies electricity. 
  • How much electricity you need. 
  • Whether there’s sufficient electricity to supply your location. 
• Providing any available documents at the beginning of the request process will help us in the initial assessment of your project. 
• Working around energized power lines? See our safety information.