Equitable BC Hydro Pricing in Distribution Energy Policy for Missing Middle Housing

Whereas as part of the Homes for People Plan, the Province intends to introduce legislation in Fall of 2023, that will allow up to four 4 units on a traditional single-family detached lot; And whereas to meet the electrical service needs of these new homes, the developer could be required to install a pad-mounted transformer for approximately 75,000 - 100,000 under current BC Hydro policy; And whereas BC Hydro is in the process of updating its Distribution Extension Policy, which specifies how costs related to new or upgraded servicing connections are recovered; And whereas one option being considered by BC Hydro Option 3 would see the cost of distribution system improvements spread across all new and upgraded connections, using a modest per-dwelling-unit charge; which would provide upfront certainty and distribute costs more equitably, which in turn would support more affordable and lower carbon new housing: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM communicate its support for Option 3 for BC Hydros Distribution Extension Policy Update to BC Hydro, the BC Government, and the BC Utilities Commission, and encourage that option be implemented as quickly as possible.