System-scope map
Map the distribution board, main rating, metering, service conductors, supply interface, assessment outputs and future-project needs.
Decision file
Ask proposals to separate the distribution panel, main disconnect, meter base, customer-owned service conductors and BC Hydro-owned supply. Record each component's known rating and ownership from safe evidence so a panel replacement is not described as though it automatically changes the complete service.
Collect utility records, earlier permit documents, panel schedules and photographs of labels already visible without removing a cover. Note conflicts and missing information for the qualified electrical review; never open compartments, touch equipment or infer condition from an online photograph.
A spare breaker position is not calculated capacity, and a crowded panel is not proof that the utility service must change. BC Hydro advises using a professional load calculation and considering planned projects before deciding whether a service upgrade or load-management option is appropriate.
Record the known meter location, overhead or underground route, customer equipment, building entry, electrical-room access and restoration constraints. Identify assumptions about buried work, utility equipment or conductor size as open items rather than including them as confirmed proposal facts.
Ask which steps require a BC Hydro connection request, utility design, customer construction, inspection, outage and meter or service work. Keep utility scope and dates conditional until BC Hydro reviews the actual address and accepted electrical design.
The assessment output should show current and planned loads, calculation method, service evidence, assumptions, options, permit or utility dependencies and remaining capacity questions. State which EV, heating, suite, hot-tub or appliance projects each option supports and what change would trigger recalculation.
Arrange utility records, permits, schedules, safely visible labels and qualified findings from strongest to weakest evidence. Use that ladder to resolve rating conflicts before proposals select a panel-only or full service path.
Draw utility supply, meter, main equipment, distribution panels and planned loads with owner, strata, customer-contractor and BC Hydro interfaces. A spare breaker space answers neither calculated demand nor utility supply availability.
Ask each option to state which EV, heating, suite and appliance projects it supports under the accepted load basis, what equipment remains reusable and which change triggers another assessment or utility request.
Draw utility supply, meter, main equipment, distribution panels and planned loads from safe records and qualified findings. Label customer, contractor, strata, City or building and BC Hydro interfaces, then attach the current load calculation. For each option, state the constraint addressed, equipment and conductors affected, future projects supported, approvals, outage and restoration. Preserve evidence conflicts and trigger reassessment after project changes. The sheet supports a scope choice without treating spare spaces, breaker ratings, a 200 amp target or historical consumption as proof of available service capacity. Before procurement, reconcile the chosen path with the exact EV, heating or suite equipment then selected. Record whether the calculation, utility request, panel schedule or future-project assumptions require revision.
Primary references
Links checked in the approved research packet on August 26, 2026. Applicability still depends on the property and proposed scope.