ChargeYYC
What is ChargeYYC?
ChargeYYC is a new pilot program designed to support residents living in condos, apartments, townhouses, rowhouses, and other multi-residential buildings to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
EVs are growing in popularity across Canada. In Calgary, we continue to see more EVs on our roads each year. Motor vehicles are a major contributor to Calgary’s greenhouse gas emissions. This makes programs like ChargeYYC essential for helping Calgarians prepare for the future of mobility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Phase 1 of ChargeYYC will re-open for applications on Jan. 28, 2025
Starting January 28, 2025, building owners and residents can apply into Phase 1 of the program for financial incentives of up to $4,000 to develop a plan to install EV chargers in their buildings. Please review the ChargeYYC Phase 1 Application Guide and Terms and Conditions in the Resources section to help you prepare your application.
Program details and requirements
In Phase 1, grants are available for up to 200 approved applicants. These grants can be used to hire a qualified professional to prepare an EV Charging Road Map for multi-residential buildings. The grant provides up to $4,000 or 50% (whichever is lower) of the costs to develop an EV Charging Road Map. All program documents available on this page currently apply only to Phase 1.
Coming soon!
Phase 2 of ChargeYYC is planned to launch in 2025. In Phase 2, we will provide funding to install electric vehicle chargers for selected projects based on approved EV Charging Road Maps. Please stay tuned for updates on Phase 2 details, timelines, and eligibility criteria.
What is an EV Charging Road Map?
An EV Charging Road Map is a customized technical plan for an existing multi-residential property to install electric vehicle charging. The professional costs of creating the road map are eligible for a rebate through Phase 1 of the ChargeYYC Pilot Program.
Who can complete an EV Charging Road Map?
The EV Charging Road Map must be completed by a qualified professional meeting the following qualifications:
- A Professional Engineer licensed to practice in the Province of Alberta; or
- A Master Electrician certified to practice in the Province of Alberta.
If approved, you must hire a qualified professional to create an EV Charging Road Map within 6 months of being approved.
What qualifies to be included in the EV Charging Road Map?
The following can all be part of the recommendations in the EV Charging Road Map:
- Level 1 chargers/120V or 240V outlets;
- Level 2 chargers; and/or
- Electric vehicle energy management systems (EVEMS).
What should be included in an EV Charging Road Map?
Please see the appendix of the Phase 1 Application Guide or the link in the Resources sidebar for information on what should be included in an EV Charging Road Map.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the ChargeYYC rebate?
For Phase 1, individuals with explicit permission from the property owner(s) can apply on behalf of a multi-residential property. The property owner(s) may be the building owner(s) or represented by a condominium corporation.
Why is this called a pilot program?
This is a new program and funding is currently limited. We want to learn how the project is received and works for initial applicants. These learnings will be applied to future phases or version of the program. The learnings will guide future City policies on EV charging at home and in public.
What types of buildings are eligible for a rebate through Charge YYC?
Certain multi-residential properties are eligible for rebates through ChargeYYC. To be eligible, they must:
- Have 3 or more residential units;
- Be fully constructed at the time of application; and
- Have shared electrical services (please refer to the Application Guide for a definition).
Some multi-residential properties may have multiple detached buildings, each of which may contain several units. These buildings can share an address and/or condominium corporation but have different building and unit numbers. Please note that there is a limit of one (1) rebate per property, not per building.
Why is an EV Charging Road Map important?
The EV Charging Road Map helps create a long-term plan and short-term steps for installing EV chargers on your property. Planning for long-term needs with your neighbours can save money compared to installing one charger at a time. It also helps you identify any challenges like electrical service limitations early.
How do I prepare for my application?
Be sure to read the ChargeYYC Application Guide and Terms and Conditions. The guide covers how EV charging works, considerations for installing EV chargers, tips for selecting a qualified professional, and steps for a successful application. It also outlines the requirements for the EV Charging Road Map. The Terms and Conditions detail program participation and eligibility. Additionally, ensure you have your property owner(s) approval before applying.
How long will it take to receive a response?
Once you apply, the ChargeYYC team will respond back to you within four weeks.
Filling out an application does not guarantee that you will be approved for funding. We may contact you to clarify your application before determining funding eligibility.
How does this connect to the Climate Strategy?
Motor vehicles contribute 33 per cent of Calgary’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. One of the pathways to meeting the goals outlined in the Calgary Climate Strategy is to support Calgarians in shifting to vehicles with low or no greenhouse gas emissions. This includes electric vehicles.
Why is The City focusing on multi-residential building charging?
Most EV owners prefer to charge their cars at home because that’s where they park their cars for the longest amounts of time. It is technically more difficult and costly to install EV chargers in multi-residential buildings. This often makes it cost-prohibitive for multi-residential homeowners to install chargers.
What if I have other questions?
Please send an email to electricmobility@calgary.ca with “ChargeYYC” in your subject line if you have further questions.