Note: see Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Temporary Dispensation Program
An approved and certified measurement system is integral to accurate and reliable measurement of electricity and to protecting consumers and businesses against loss due to inaccurate or unreliable measurement.
We have introduced temporary dispensation programs to allow owners of electric vehicle (EV) charging devices already in use in the marketplace to bill based on the amount of energy delivered (i.e. in kilowatt hours [kWh]) during a charging session. These requirements are consistent with the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act (EGIA), which sets out requirements for determining how measuring devices must perform when they are used to establish a charge for the purchase or sale of electricity.
Temporary dispensation programs for EV charging devices
The temporary dispensation granted under this program is intended for commercial Level 1 and Level 2 devices already in use in the Canadian marketplace or put into service prior to January 1, 2025. This dispensation will remain in effect until December 31, 2029.
The temporary dispensation granted under this program is intended for Level 1 and Level 2 devices already in use in the Canadian marketplace or put into service prior to January 1, 2025, and not used for commercial purposes and not for use by the public. This dispensation will remain in effect until December 31, 2029.
- Commercial Level 3+ EV charging devices
The temporary dispensation granted under this program is intended for commercial Level 3+ devices already in use in the Canadian marketplace or put into service prior to July 1, 2024. Owners of commercial Level 3+ devices put into service between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2029, may also participate in this program under certain criteria. This dispensation will remain in effect until December 31, 2029.
As more EV charging options are introduced, it will be up to the EV charging station owner or operator to decide as to the method of billing for an EV charge (whether time-based, flat fee or as part of a Measurement Canada temporary dispensation program that allows energy-based billing). The method of billing must be transparent and clearly indicated to the customer at the time of the EV charge.
Our role is to ensure that when a meter is used to determine the quantity of energy consumed during the purchase or sale of electricity, it measures accurately and in accordance with the requirements of the EGIA and other requirements. The use of a flat fee or time-based billing method for EV charging is exempt from the EGIA and other statutes at this moment.
Type approval of EV charging devices
Measurement Canada tests and evaluates new prototype measurement technologies to ensure they comply with requirements before they are sold for use in the Canadian marketplace.
- We have introduced specifications and test procedures for the type approval of Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging devices.
- Type approval testing at Measurement Canada's laboratories is scheduled to begin in early 2024.
- We will soon be launching a consultation on proposed requirements for the type approval of Level 3+ EV charging devices.
What you need to know about electric vehicle charging stations
What is our role with respect to electric vehicle charging stations?
Our mandate is to protect the right of consumers to accurate and reliable measurement when they make a purchase based on measurement. As part of our mandate, we administer the EGIA, which sets out requirements for the performance of measuring devices when charging for the purchase or sale of electricity. It also sets out the requirement for operators to register their measuring devices when selling electricity.
Why are technical requirements important?
The Electricity and Gas Inspection Act (EGIA) sets out requirements for measuring devices that sell electricity on the basis of measurement (e.g., accuracy performance standards). These requirements ensure consumers and businesses receive accurate and reliable measurement by establishing minimum measurement standards to which all vendors selling electricity must comply. Allowing billing for an EV charge based on the amount of electricity consumed during a charge (e.g. by kilo-watt hour or kWh) without any technical standards would put consumers and businesses at increased risk of loss due to inaccurate measurement or incorrectly functioning measuring devices.
What else are we doing to support Canadians?
While we are developing our standards for Canada, we are also continuing our work with our international partners, including the U.S. National Conference on Weights and Measures and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), to develop international model standards for billing by kWh at EV charging stations. Our participation in this work ensures Canadians' interests are represented during the development of these model standards.
This approach gives Canadian manufacturers international market opportunities, and provides businesses and consumers with greater access to EV charging station options, as compliance in one participating country enables market access to all participating countries.
Why is it important to register electric vehicle charging stations?
To protect the right of consumers to accurate and reliable measurement when being charged based on measurement, devices must be traceable to a person who is accountable for their use and operation.
To allow traceability and accountability, device operators are required to register as contractors under the EGIA. The requirement to register EV charging stations enables us to track devices used for EV charging to ensure they meet minimum standards for measurement accuracy and reliability. This protects consumers from inaccurate measurement or unfair practices.
What is the role of the operator?
The operator is responsible for keeping their EV charging station in good working condition. The operator must also keep records with the date of the charging station’s last measurement accuracy certification and energy consumption information.
This information allows us to monitor EV charging station device compliance and to respond to consumer complaints of suspected inaccurate measurement.
Is there a cost to register as a contractor?
There is no cost for EV charging station operators to register as a contractor. Registration can be completed by mail or email.
What are the billing methods for charging electric vehicles?
In Canada, possible billing methods for charging electric vehicles include flat fee (charge per use, charge per month) and time-based (charge per amount of time) billing. EV charging can also be provided free of charge or included in the amount charged for another service (e.g. as part of the rate for parking the vehicle).
What is the most common billing method?
Time-based and flat fee billing methods are most commonly used in Canada and other countries, as they allowed the EV charging infrastructure to grow quickly in support of EV adoption, while providing industry with time to develop and refine technologies necessary for accurate and reliable measurement of kWh consumption at EV charging stations. The use of a flat fee or time-based billing method for EV charging is exempt from the EGIA and other statutes at this moment.