Is it mandatory to report energy consumption to the City of Vancouver?

Dear Tony:

Is it true that residential condos of only 50 or 60 units have to report their energy consumption each year to the City of Vancouver?

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We were under the impression this was only going to affect commercial properties or highrise buildings. As a 52-unit Kitsilano project, it’s just an additional cost we assume to hire someone to gather the information and calculate the reporting requirements.

In addition to this year’s deadline for electrical planning reports and depreciation reports, it’s overwhelming on our annual budget.

— Jason M.

Dear Jason:

Yes, both the City of Vancouver and the Capital Regional District, including Victoria and Saanich, will require reporting this year, affecting all types of properties. It is phased in for different sizes over a three-year cycle. The first year of reporting is the most onerous as the creation of the accounts and the collection of information are necessary.

In future years, it will simply be a matter of updating annual consumption. Our local governments across the province and utility providers are faced with limited energy and limited distribution. The reporting provides the regions with consumption rates for future planning and identifies zones with limited capacity where new developments are planned.

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For consumers, it is a significant crunch year economically. CHOA is hosting webinars on the reporting requirements, electric planning reports and depreciation reports in February.

In partnership with the BC Retro Fit Accelerator (BCRA) and energy coaching for strata corporations, there are support services available at no cost to assist strata corporations with their energy management, planning and reports.

Webinars will be recorded and posted for continual reference.

The BCRA provides a complimentary coaching program for strata corporations interested in analyzing their energy consumption, management and future planning for upgrades, depreciation renewals and conversions from gas to electric.

The objective is healthier, cleaner, energy-efficient communities. Owners are frequently requesting permission to install heat pumps and EV charging. While most communities have sufficient capacity to accommodate the new demands, there are scattered pockets of limited energy available within the metro districts and rural regions of the province.

Go to choa.bc.ca for a direct link to the BC Energy Advisor and lunch and learn webinars.

Tony Gioventu is executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association. Email tony@choa.bc.ca.