BC Hydro hopes to make housing developments easier for communities by updating one of its policies.
Hydro says they filed an application to the BC Utilities Commission on June 27, asking to update the Distribution Extension Policy, a policy that sets out how costs are allocated between new and existing non-industrial customers for any new or upgraded connections to their system.
Under this policy, which hasn’t been updated since 2008, any connections that require system upgrades must be paid by the customer who originally made the request.
Minister of housing Ravi Kahlon says when it comes to delivering more affordable homes, they are all-hands on deck.
“The changes BC Hydro is making to streamline new connections to the grid, and the work it is doing with local governments to explore ways to improve timelines on building infrastructure will speed up housing developments, reduce building costs, and get people into homes faster,” said Kahlon.
Hydro says if this policy gets updated, they will not only eliminate system improvement costs for all new customers, but also increase their contribution to offset any extension costs.
President and CEO of BC Hydro Chris O’Reilly says this comes as the need for more housing continues to grow.
“With the growth forecasted to continue, we have listened carefully to our customers and stakeholders and are proposing changes to the existing policy based on their important input,” said O’Reilly.
They hope by updating the policy, it would lower the cost of connections, speed up connection timelines, and support investments in affordable housing.
A decision from the Commission is expected next year.
