Electrical Planning Report (EPR) for BC Strata: Everything You Need to Know
- ENGIPRO
- Dec 26, 2025
- 3 min read
What Is an Electrical Planning Report (EPR)?
An Electrical Planning Report (EPR) is a new regulatory requirement for most strata corporations in British Columbia. It is designed to assess the existing electrical capacity of a building and whether it can support future energy demands — like EV charging stations, heat pumps, or increased suite loads.
The report must be prepared by a qualified electrical professional and contain detailed analysis of:
Main service size and capacity
Current electrical loads (base building + suites)
Remaining spare capacity
Future demand forecast (EVs, electrification, HVAC)
Recommendations for upgrades or load management
Is Your Strata Required to Submit an EPR?
Yes — if your building has 5 or more strata lots, an EPR is mandatory under BC’s Strata Property Regulation.
📍 Key EPR Deadlines
Location | Deadline |
Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, CRD | December 31, 2026 |
All other regions in BC | December 31, 2028 |
New strata buildings must submit their EPR within 5 years of their strata plan being deposited.
Applies to townhouses, apartment buildings, condo towers — any strata with 5+ units.
Why Does EPR Matter? (It’s More Than Compliance)
While the EPR is a regulatory requirement, its value goes far beyond just “checking the box.” It helps strata councils:
Plan safe upgrades for EV chargers, heat pumps, LED retrofits
Understand what electrical work may be needed before infrastructure projects
Budget appropriately for capital upgrades via reserve fund planning
Comply with Form B disclosure when selling units
Avoid safety risks tied to overloaded systems
By commissioning an EPR early, you also unlock access to energy efficiency programs and EV charging rebates such as the EV Ready Plan Rebate
What’s the Difference Between an EPR and an EV Ready Plan (EVRP)?
A lot of confusion comes from these two documents.
Feature | Electrical Planning Report (EPR) | EV Ready Plan (EVRP) |
Required by law | Yes, under BC regulation | No (optional rebate) |
Prepared by | Electrical engineer or electrician | Approved consultant |
Purpose | Assess electrical system’s capacity | Plan for future EV charging layout |
Rebate available? | No rebate for EPR | Up to $3,000 via BC Hydro |
Triggers upgrades? | May recommend upgrades | Doesn't enforce changes |
Bottom line:
EPR tells you whether your building has capacity.
EVRP tells you how to lay out EV charging.
They’re complementary — not interchangeable.
What Should Be Included in a Compliant EPR?
Per BC Hydro and the provincial guidelines, your EPR should include:
Building info (address, # of units, contractor info)
Main service capacity & electrical distribution layout
Inventory of loads: suite consumption, mechanical systems, lighting
Estimated peak usage
Future demand forecast: EVs, heat pumps, increased usage
Load limitations or bottlenecks
Engineering recommendations for upgrade options
Cost or timeline estimates (if applicable)
Want to see the exact checklist? View BC Hydro’s official EPR guidance (PDF)
When Should You Order an EPR?
You should commission an EPR if your strata:
Has not done one yet and the deadline is approaching
Is applying for EV charging or energy upgrade grants
Plans to install electric heat pumps or solar systems
Is updating their Depreciation Report or BCA — great time to bundle!
FAQs
Q: Does every strata in BC need an EPR?
A: Yes — if your building has 5 or more lots, and is within the regulation’s timeline.
Q: Can our Depreciation Report cover the EPR requirement?
A: No. Depreciation Reports (DRs) look at building components (roof, windows, piping). EPR is exclusively electrical, and must meet specific regulatory criteria.
Q: Who can prepare an EPR?
A: Only a licensed electrical engineer or electrician with applicable insurance.BC Hydro recommends hiring a firm familiar with multi-residential electrical systems.
Why Work with ENGIPRO for Your EPR?
At ENGIPRO, we understand that most strata don’t just want another report — they want clarity, speed, and a team they can trust.
Here’s how we help:
We partner with licensed P.Eng. electrical engineers to produce EPRs that meet all BC requirements
We can bundle your EPR with your Depreciation Report or BCA to save time and cost
We deliver fast turnaround reports, perfect for stratas working under pressure
We explain results clearly, giving your council the confidence to plan forward
⚠️ Don't wait until the deadline — planning upgrades or rebate applications takes time. Let us help you prepare a compliant, actionable EPR that supports your future strategy.
Resources:
Strata electrical planning report - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/strata-housing/operating-a-strata/the-environment/electrical-planning-report
EV Ready Plan Rebate - https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/electric-vehicles/rebates-incentives/rebates-apartment-chargers.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
BC Hydro’s official EPR guidance (PDF) - https://www.bchydro.com/content/dam/BCHydro/customer-portal/documents/power-smart/business/programs/guidance-for-the-preparation-of-electrical-planning-reports-for-strata-corporations-in-british-columbia.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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