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Metering and billing options for apartments

Ways to monitor and pay for EV charging at your building

If you’re planning to install EV chargers at a multi-unit residential building (MURB) such as an apartment or condo property, one of the common challenges facing stratas or condo owners is figuring out how the electricity use for charging will be tracked and billed. 

We’ve outlined the different metering and billing options below, as well as steps to get started. 

Metering and billing options

Keep in mind that these options are mutually exclusive; combinations are not permitted. 

  • With this option, stratas can request to add the EV chargers under an existing common use area account – the account you use for electricity in common spaces such as hallways, parkades, mailrooms, etc.

    • No additional service connection or additional meter is required.
    • Electricity use from the EV chargers will be recorded by the existing common use account meter.
    • If the strata wants to pass on the electricity costs to the residents for using the EV chargers, the strata will need to administer the billing and payments of the EV charging separately from your BC Hydro account through some other means.

    Rates

    Electricity use from the EV charger will be billed under the existing rate for common use area account. This is typically either the Residential Conservation Rate or one of the General Service Rates.

  • With this option, stratas can request a separate meter to measure the electricity use from EV chargers under an account separate from an existing common use account. 

    • Only one meter will be installed to record the usage for all EV chargers together. The meter will need to be installed so that electricity use from the EV chargers is not recorded by the existing common use area meter. The strata is responsible for the costs of the additional meter installation. 
    • Electricity use from the EV charger(s) will be billed on a separate account from the existing common use account.  
    • If the strata wants to pass on the electricity costs to the residents for using the EV chargers, the strata will need to administer the billing and payments of the EV charging separately from your BC Hydro account. 

    Rates

    Residential-only buildings can choose to set up the account under the Residential Conservation Rate or one of the General Service Rates. 

    Mixed-use buildings with both residential and commercial access to the chargers must set up the new account under one of the General Service Rates.

    If you choose, you can opt for consolidated billing, ensuring that you have multiple meters and accounts, accessed through a single bill. This allows you to see the EV charger costs separately from existing common use accounts, but the ease of paying them together. 

  • With this option, individual unit owners with assigned parking stalls may request a separate meter for their EV charger.

    • The unit owner has to obtain approval from the strata for the electrical work required to install the additional meter, and is responsible for the costs of the additional meter installation. 
    • Electricity use from the EV charger will be recorded by the additional meter. The meter will need to be installed so that electricity use from the EV charger is not recorded by other existing meters.
    • Not compatible with load management configurations of chargers.
    • For residential customers, the electricity use from EV charging will be combined with the owner’s unit electricity use and billed under the existing residential account. 
    • BC Hydro will bill the individual unit owners directly for their EV charging use.

    Rates

    For residential customers, the electricity use from EV charging will be combined with the owner’s unit electricity use and billed under the existing residential account and the Residential Conservation Rate.

    For commercial customers, the electricity use from EV charging will be billed on a separate account under one of the General Service Rates.

For all of these options, customers are responsible for the rewiring (electrical alteration and permit costs) and BC Hydro connection charges, if applicable. 

The BC Hydro charge to connect an additional meter will depend on the work required and our designer will provide a quote. Learn more about our electrical connection process. 

MURB with electrician

Related content

How to install EV charging at an apartment

Follow the checklist

EV charging rebates for apartment and condo buildings

Apply for pre-approval

Electrical connections and extensions

Learn about it

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Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350. 

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 
Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

If installed at an apartment/condo or workplace, this networked charger may be eligible for a rebate. 

Rebates for apartments/condos

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $1,400 to $2,000 per charger.

Rebate amounts vary depending on factors such as whether or not the building is participating in other EV Ready rebates.

Rebates for workplaces

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $2,000 per charger.

Pre-approval from BC Hydro is required for apartment/condo and workplace customers. Program maximums apply.

Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350.

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 

Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

Features

Load management: Allows multiple EV chargers to share the same electrical circuit, allowing the charging power to be distributed across each charger.

Networked: A networked charging station that is connected to a central system via internet communication such as open protocol (e.g. OCPP, OpenADR or other) or a proprietary system (must be connected to a network for minimum of two years).

Multiple ports: Allows multiple vehicles to charge at the same time.

CSA Certification: Tested and certified electric vehicle charging and components by CSA Group. 

cETL Certification: Compliant with North American safety standards and tested/certified by Intertek.

cUL Certification: Compliant with Canadian safety standards by UL Canada.

Breaker Current

Every circuit breaker has specified amperage (amount of current). The rating is the labelled on the breaker. Understanding your electrical service and panel is important in determining the type of EV charger you can support.

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