BC Hydro and the Province of British Columbia have joined forces with Burnaby-based tech company Evectrix to launch a groundbreaking electrification pilot project, aiming to make clean, affordable energy more accessible for multi-unit housing developments as the region’s population grows.
This initiative, described as a Canadian first, leverages Evectrix’s innovative smart panel technology—an intelligent system that transforms a traditional breaker panel into a real-time energy management hub. This technology eliminates the need for costly electrical upgrades, such as moving from a 200-amp to a 400-amp service, even in six-unit residential buildings.
The pilot project, now underway in Vancouver with special permission from the city, demonstrates how full electrification—including heating, cooling, EV charging, and appliances—can be achieved in new multi-unit buildings without significant service upgrades. The smart panel also integrates with advanced thermostats, providing suite-level energy control and helping avoid overcapacity, while unlocking cost savings for residents.
Supported by investments from the Province’s Innovative Clean Energy Fund and BC Hydro’s Energy Efficiency Plan, the project is part of a broader effort to address housing densification and the growing demand for electricity in British Columbia.
Provincial leaders and project partners emphasize that this pilot represents a scalable, future-ready model for retrofitting existing buildings and supporting new developments. “We’re proud to support made-in-B.C. solutions that reduce emissions, strengthen our grid and lower energy costs for residents,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
BC Hydro CEO Chris O’Riley called the project a “potential game-changer” for accelerating clean energy adoption, while Evectrix COO Kambiz Pishghadam Ghaeni highlighted the technology’s role in enabling electrification and decarbonization without burdening homeowners with expensive upgrades.
The Province’s recent Clean Power Action Plan underscores the importance of such innovations to ensure the electricity system remains resilient and capable of supporting economic growth amid rising demand.
