MEDICINE HAT, AB – As homes get larger, the demand for electricity increases.
But not all homes are equipped to handle that.
Homes are built with the minimum requirement of 100 amp service, in line with the Canadian Electrical Code.
Joel Bosch with the Canadian Homebuilders Association in Medicine Hat says that is starting to not be enough.
“I think we’re seeing lots of people a little bit frustrated that they want to put a hot tub in and their home was built a few years ago and they’re being told their home doesn’t have the service that’s adequate for a hot tub,” Bosch said.
Bosch says the 100 amp requirement worked just fine for many years. The problem is with upgrading amps in houses in pre-existing subdivisions
“In some areas, the infrastructure isn’t in place to simply upgrade to 200 amp service or it’s a costly upgrade so we’re looking for solutions,” Bosch said.
So far, it’s been a challenge trying to fix the problem. Although Bosch says the Homebuilders Association is trying.
“We’re hoping to be in talks with the city on some of the existing subdivisions, The Hamptons and other areas, to find a solution to meet those needs for people to put hot tubs in their homes,” Bosch said.
In a statement, city planner Amanda Brinda acknowledges the growing electrical load demand.
With growing electrical load demand trends such as Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations (60 amp), larger hot tubs and pools (100 amp at times), on-demand electric water heaters (60 amp in some cases), solar systems (40 amp in some cases), stoves (40 amp), dryers (30 amp), there is greater need for many end users to gravitate towards 200 amp services over 100 amp electrical services.
The safety codes and electric departments will continue to follow the Canadian Electrical Code allowing minimum standards of 100 amp electrical services and monitor load demand to protect the end user from potential overloading which may cause damage to a residence and/or costly repairs. The City safety code department always looks to ensure minimum codes are followed with regards to electrical loads so the end user can safely use electrical components they prefer to utilize.
We are seeing proactive trends from the construction development community on increasing their service size above 100 amp to 125 amp, 150 amp and 200 amp to accommodate all of today’s electrical load demands while allowing room for future growth. We commend the proactive approach.
Bosch says going forward, builders will require lots to be 200 amps as that’s the way the industry is moving.
He says he wants to be 10 to 20 years ahead of the needs of customers.
