Ontario’s new EVCCP will facilitate the rollout of EV chargers across the province

A new process announced by the Ontario Minister of Energy is set to make it faster and easier for building owners and operators in the province to understand the timing and requirements for installing EV charging at their facilities.

Called the “Electric Vehicle Charging Connections Process,” or EVCCP, it introduces four significant changes to the connections process for building owners and operators.

1. Preliminary consultation process

With the EVCCP, building owners and operators will be able to ask for an Electric Vehicle Preliminary Consultation Information Request (EVPCIR) form from their local distribution company or hydro company.

Upon receipt of the request, the company will be required to respond within 15 days with information about the following information related to your inquiry:

• What capacity the grid has to accommodate your project
• The expected complexity of your desired installation(s)
• An estimate of the cost of the installation

Along with this information, the LDC will be required to meet with you to discuss the request and next steps in more detail, if you wish.

2. New flow chart and timeline

To make it easier for building owners and operators to understand the process of rolling out chargers at their properties, the EVCCP also includes a new flow chart.

The chart is meant to improve understanding of:

• The specific steps involved in EVSE (charging station) connections
• The responsibilities of each party in the planning and installation process
• Enforceable timelines for the LDC to respond to property owners

Ultimately, the goal is to provide property owners with greater certainty in planning their projects, including any construction or electrical work, as well as a better-defined operational timeline.

3. Better clarity on system expansion costs

When a project will require system upgrades to be completed, the LDC will have to provide a detailed estimate explaining who is responsible for various costs, including:

• Labour
• Materials
• Equipment
• Any other costs

4. Standardized processes across Ontario

Because there are 58 different local distribution companies (LDCs) across Ontario responsible for delivering electricity, there have been some inconsistencies in how EV charging projects have been planned and completed.

With the EVCCP, the process for electrical contractors and station owners will be standardized. The goal is for this process to help to remove ambiguity and red tape across the province.

Need help rolling out EV chargers in Ontario? Contact us for help!