Articles from Electrical Business

BC Hydro, the City of Victoria, and the District of Saanich have received funding from the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program to install 495 electric vehicle chargers across British Columbia. BC Hydro will receive $21.8 million to install nearly 400 chargers across various locations, while Victoria and Saanich will receive smaller amounts for municipal and community installations. This funding aims to enhance the province's EV charging infrastructure despite public opposition to new-car EV sales mandates. The initiative targets increasing accessibility in main travel routes, public locations, and residential areas.

WorkSafeBC has announced that the preliminary average base premium rate for 2026 will remain unchanged at $1.55 per $100 of assessable payroll. This rate has been consistent for nine years, allowing the agency to return surplus funds to employers due to strong financial performance. Approximately $570 million will be returned in 2026 through reduced rates, and changes in industry rates will see 39% of employers experiencing decreases, while 47% will see increases. The final rates will be approved in November by the board.

The Anahim Lake Solar Project, supported by an additional $4.9 million from Ottawa, aims to reduce the Ulkatcho First Nation's diesel reliance by about 64%, displacing 1.1 million litres of diesel yearly. The project involves BC Hydro and multiple partners in constructing a major off-grid solar power plant, including battery storage and a microgrid system. Scheduled for completion by summer 2026, it is part of broader efforts under various federal and provincial clean energy programs. The project emphasizes Indigenous leadership in renewable energy, with Ulkatcho Energy Corp. owning the initiative entirely.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has unveiled the Mott Electric Pavilion, a new training facility funded by a $2-million donation from BCIT alumnus Dan Mott of Mott Electric. This facility will focus on hands-on training in renewable energy, robotics, and automated controls, increasing the capacity for electrical apprenticeship programs by 250 seats annually. The pavilion is part of the $220-million investment in the BCIT Trades and Technology Complex, aimed at modernizing trades education to meet workforce demands.

The Government of British Columbia, alongside BC Hydro, has unveiled a five-point action plan named "Energizing our economy" to enhance energy security and resilience in the province. This includes initiatives such as a second Call for Power, supporting clean energy projects, and investing over $12 million to aid clean technology innovation. The plan aims to foster economic growth, climate action, and collaboration with First Nations by focusing on clean and renewable energy. BC Hydro also introduced measures to promote energy efficiency, including the Power Smart RFEOI, part of a $700-million Energy Efficiency Plan, expected to save $80 million annually by 2030.

Trilliant and OZZ Electric have partnered to launch a new electric vehicle charging energy management solution in British Columbia, Canada. This initiative aims to optimize energy consumption by leveraging Trilliant's submetering technology for EV chargers in multi-residential buildings. The partnership, which began in 2022, focuses on delivering enhanced insights into energy usage for building managers and property owners. Both companies are committed to improving energy efficiency in Canada and the U.S.