Another great update from Helen O’Toole of H.O.T Architecture:
The grey areas for connecting a Laneway House are slowly being ironed out. There has been an amount of misinformation out there with regard to the connections that BC Hydro require for Laneway Housing.
Initially BC Hydro were requiring that all Laneway houses have an expensive underground and separate connection – this is where the initial high connection figures came from.
They have now conceded that if it is feasible that this connection can be overhead. If there has been a lot of new building development in the homeowners neighbourhood it is then possible that BC Hydro’s overhead lines may have reached their full capacity – in this instance an underground connection maybe required.
All Laneway Houses will need a separate meter, however as they are now allowing an overhead connection most likely the connection cost will range from between $1100 and $5000
If your entire property can be powered by only 200 amps then the connection fee will be minimal.To determine the cost for a Laneway House connection BC Hydro will send out one of their estimators to give a price, the home owner will have to pay a deposit of $1000 for this service.
Some people are considering an upgraded connection to their existing garage before building a LWH. However something to be aware of – Your electrician will have to sign off on your connection agreeing that the LWH house connection is in accordance with BY Hydro guidelines.
BC Hydro Contact:
Gurjit.Samra,Design Manager
604.528.1458
Gurjit.Samra@bchydro.com
Vancouver, BC 