Transmission system connections

Connecting to BC Hydro's electrical grid

• 1. Submit your request

  Download and complete the Transmission Voltage Customer – Connection Data Form. If you have any questions, contact our team of experts for support.

  When ready, submit your completed form via email.

  If information is missing or further clarification is required, we will reach out to you. 

• 2. Meet your BC Hydro contacts

  During the connection process, you will be assigned an expert from BC Hydro’s Business & Economic Development (BED) team and an interconnections manager. BED will be your main point of contact and keep you informed.

• 3. Conceptual review (optional)

  Who should request a conceptual review?

  BC Hydro provides high level comments on the availability of transmission capacity, methods to connect to the BC Hydro system, potential system modifications and upgrades involved.

  When completing the Transmission Voltage Customer - Connection Data form, a conceptual review may be requested at no cost. 

  Ask for a conceptual review to determine if:

  • A particular site can accommodate your load requirements.
  • Significant and costly modifications or upgrades will be required to the system.
  • Additional information is required to commit to the cost and time required for a system impact study.

  Cost estimate for methods of connection and potential system changes/upgrades or comments on timelines are not provided as part of the Conceptual Review.

  Timeline

  If a conceptual review is requested, this will be completed within 4 to 6 weeks. 

  Cost

  None

  Learn more about the conceptual review process

• 4. System impact study (required)

  A system impact study is required for every project. The study investigates the impact of connecting your load to our transmission system, identifies the leading connection option, and will provide other details. 

  Your BC Hydro representative will explain the process, provide a system impact study agreement for your approval, as well as a cost estimate that is paid in advance of starting the study. 

  Financial incentives may be available to fund 100% of this study.

  Timeline

  6 to 9 months.

  Cost

  Project dependent. Financial incentives may be available for eligible businesses to cover the cost of up 100% of this study.

  Learn more about the system impact study

• 5. Review the study results

  A system impact study report is provided for your review. Once the study results are accepted, confirmation is required for BC Hydro to proceed with the facilities study.

  At this point, the project will progress to the transition stage and a proposal is prepared to perform the facilities study and other assessments.

  Timeline

  Approximately 3 to 4 months.

• 6. Facilities study (required)

  A facilities study is required to confirm the preferred connection option. The study will include technical requirements, feasibility design, risk assessment, First Nations engagement, environmental studies.

  Your BC Hydro representative will explain this process, provide a facilities study agreement for approval, as well as a cost estimate that is paid in advance of starting the study. 

  Timeline

  Approximately six to nine months, depending on project complexity and resource availability.

  Cost

  Project dependent. Financial incentives may be available for eligible businesses to cover the cost of up 75% of this study.

  Learn more about the facilities study

• 7. Review your project plan

  A project plan and refined cost estimate for the implementation work to connect your site to our transmission services will be provided. Once the project plan is reviewed and accepted, BC Hydro can proceed with implementation.

• 8. Implementation and connection

  BC Hydro carries out the work to connect your industrial site to our transmission system.

  Financial incentives may be available to reduce your costs for implementation.

  Timeline

  As determined by your project plan. 

  Learn more about the implementation stage