Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is one of the County’s top environmental priorities. We’d like to make it easier for residents to own and charge their electric vehicles. EV charging station installation requires permits which can be obtained online through ePermits, or in-person at Planning and Development Services.  

We know that gas powered vehicles will continue to be a part of the County’s transportation system, but we need to think about how we can shift away from fossil fuel use to electrification. 

One of the key considerations before purchasing an electric vehicle is to determine how you are going to charge it. EV charging station installation requires permits and it is recommended that installation be carried out by a professional electrician that is familiar with code requirements, but can also review your current electrical service and needs. 

EV charger installation tips

Finding the right charger is a combination of your specific needs, your home’s electrical system and the ability of your neighbourhood’s network to deliver the power.  

If you live in a single-family home:

1. Contact a certified electrician before you purchase a charger. They can help recommend which charger can work with your current electrical set-up and services to your home. Your electrician should complete a load calculation to determine whether your current panel can handle the addition of an EV charger (100% of full amperage).
    
2. If your home does not have sufficient electricity supply for the recommended EV charger, there are several options you can explore including:
   • Considering a less powerful charger
   • An EV energy management system
   • Upgrading the main electrical service to your home
      
3. If the wires that supply electricity to your home are undersized, you may need service upgrades.
   Please contact Fortis Alberta to learn more about your options. 

If you live in an apartment or condominium:

1. Contact your landlord or condominium board before purchasing or installing a charger. They will need to approve any installations or may be considering adding chargers.  
    
2. If you cannot install an EV chargers at your condo, you can consider the following: 
   • Use a Level 1 or trickle charger using 120V outlet to trickle charge your vehicle
   • If possible, see if there are public charging locations in your area. 

Fortis has additional information on preparing your home or building for an EV charger. 

Ways to manage EV charger demand

Before making costly changes around your home or electricity services to accommodate an EV charger's additional demand, consider these solutions. 

• Consider a less powerful charger
  • Selecting a small charger that can be supplied from your existing electrical system is the lowest-cost solution, as it eliminates the need for upgrades or additional technology. Although a smaller charger will charge your vehicle more slowly, common estimates note that the average driver will require fewer than three hours of charging per night. 
• Manage your energy use
  • An EV energy management system adjusts the power fed to your charger and balances it with your other appliances and demand so that you stay within the limits of your current electrical service. 

Permit and inspection process

The process for installing a new EV charger is as follows:

1. Apply for an electrical permit
   • Either the building owner or an electrical contractor can apply for the permit.
   • Customers can apply online directly through ePermits or download and complete the electrical permit application form (734.2 KB) .
   • A load calculation (187.1 KB) to show existing electrical service is sufficient to support the EV charger or plans for an Energy Management System must be submitted with the application. 
      
2. Install the EV charger per the approved permit, load calculation and code requirements.
   • Don't start installation until you receive your approved permit. Starting work without an approved permit can result in stop work orders, fines and/or administrative penalties. 
   • It is recommended that installation be carried out by a professional electrician familiar with code requirements.
      
3. Obtain an electrical inspection to verify that the EV charger installation meets the correct codes and is safe to use. 
   • Request an inspection by contacting Building Services at 780-464-8080 or online through ePermits. 
   • The inspection line can be reached at 780-464-8169
   • For more information on inspections, please visit our webpage. 

For more information: