EV charging: condos & multi-unit in Calgary

CCT 01Start with the right decision

A board should start with building capacity, parking rights and a fair expansion policy. The first resident’s installation can determine how expensive the next one becomes. Compare a common backbone with individual connections and examine how load management allocates limited capacity as adoption grows.

CCT 02What to put in the scope

Use this as a discussion checklist. The contract should assign each item to a named party and identify anything excluded. Ask for unclear existing conditions to be investigated before they become assumptions in a fixed price.

CCT 03Who needs to coordinate

The board and property manager set ownership and cost-sharing rules with appropriate legal advice. An electrical designer determines the safe technical arrangement. The installer and network provider then price that arrangement. Utility metering and charging-session billing are distinct issues and should not be conflated.

CCT 04A practical project sequence

Survey the existing system and resident demand before procuring chargers. Agree the expansion and payment policy, then select a design and procurement approach. Coordinate parkade access, resident notices and fire separations. Prove both charging and billing functions before residents rely on them.

Read the Commercial electrical permits in Calgary and ENMAX commercial service connections guides when planning approvals and service changes.

CCT 05What changes the price

Ask who pays for common infrastructure, unused capacity, subscriptions, repairs and a future provider change. A low initial charger price may lock the corporation into expensive recurring services. Describe the charging experience when many residents plug in together rather than promising every port its nameplate output.

Continue with Commercial EV charging cost and the Comparing electrical bids checklist. Compare like-for-like scope before comparing totals.

CCT 06Calgary requirements and safety

• The 2024 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.1-24, 26th edition) is the electrical code in force in Alberta, declared in force on April 1, 2025. ¹
• Calgary requires separate electrical permits for commercial base building work and for tenant spaces. ²

These pages concern Calgary. Confirm the authority and wire-service provider for Airdrie, Rocky View County or another neighbouring municipality. The applicable permits and connection process may differ.

CCT 07What the owner should receive

Keep board approvals, drawings, permit records, network ownership, resident instructions and the maintenance agreement. Future applications should refer to this common plan instead of starting an independent review each time.

Keep proposed work, accepted changes, inspection evidence and remaining deficiencies together. A verbal assurance is difficult for the next property manager or maintenance contractor to use.

CCT 08Apply the scope to your building

Condos & multi-family · Property & facility management · Office buildings

Select the industry guide for its equipment, access and operating considerations. The electrical scope should reflect the actual business and building, not simply its floor area.