The Difference Between an EV Ready Plan and Electrical Planning Report: Do You Need Both?

If you’re a condo property manager or strata council in British Columbia planning to install electric vehicle charging stations in your condo building, you’ve likely come across two types of documents you may need to obtain: an EV Ready Plan and an Electrical Planning Report.

Both are essential documents but serve different purposes. Learn about each below.

Comparison: EV Ready Plan vs. Electrical Planning Report

What Is an EV Ready Plan?

An EV Ready Plan is a technical document required by BC Hydro’s EV charger rebate programs. It outlines how a building will make 100% of its parking spaces EV Ready—meaning each parking space will have the capacity and infrastructure to support a Level 2 EV charger.

An EV Ready Plan is also needed to apply for up to $120,000 in rebates through the BC Hydro EV Ready Infrastructure Rebate program. 

Learn more about an EV Ready Plan and see if you qualify for the EV Ready Plan Rebate.

What Is an Electrical Planning Report?

As of January 1, 2024, the Strata Property Regulation (Part 5.2) in B.C. requires all strata corporations formed before December 31, 2023 to complete an Electrical Planning Report by December 31, 2026. It applies to strata corporations with five or more strata lots and is designed to help strata corporations understand the capacity and limitations of their building’s electrical system.

Key Elements of an Electrical Planning Report:

• An assessment of your building’s existing electrical capacity.
• Forecast of future electrical demand, including potential EV charging load.
• Cost estimates for future infrastructure changes or system upgrades.
• Must be prepared by a qualified person (Electrical engineer, applied science technologist or licensed electrician).

Unlike an EV Ready Plan, the EPR is not tied to rebates. Instead, it's a regulatory requirement designed to help strata corporations assess whether their building’s electrical system can handle future electrical needs—EV charging included.

Which Document Does Your Building Need?

In many cases, your building may need both an EV Ready Plan and an Electrical Planning Report—they serve different purposes and are required by different organizations.

You need an EV Ready Plan if:

• Your strata is applying for EV charger rebates through FortisBC or BC Hydro’s EV charger rebate programs
• You want to access up to $120,000 with the BC Hydro EV Ready Infrastructure Rebate
• You’re planning to install EV chargers and need a technical and strategic plan that also meets rebate requirements

You need an Electrical Planning Report if:

• Your strata has five or more units
• You’re located in BC and must comply with provincial regulations under the Strata Property Regulation, Part 5.2
• You're located in:
  • Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, or Capital Regional District: Deadline is December 31, 2026
  • Other areas of B.C.: Deadline is December 31, 2028
  • A new strata: You have five years from filing your strata plan to complete it

Even if your building isn’t ready to install EV chargers, the Electrical Planning Report is still mandatory if your strata meet the criteria above.