Permits

State of Safety 2025

Strengthening Safety Through Permitting

Installation and operating permits serve as a key point of entry into BC’s safety system for contractors and asset owners. We issue these permits to confirm that regulated work is carried out properly by tracking the type of work performed, its location, and the responsible party. We also share insights from our data on emerging risks and trends with asset owners, enabling them to identify and address potential hazards associated with their equipment or systems.

Despite this framework, some individuals and organizations performing regulated work in BC do not participate fully — or at all — in the safety system. We refer to this type of activity as the “grey market.” This illegal work increases safety risks and can create frustration and challenges for those who are compliant. In 2025, we strengthened our efforts to identify, engage with, and, where necessary, take enforcement action against grey market activity.

136,593

Installation permits issued

121,492

Active operating permits in 2025

Heat Pump Permits

As heat pump rebates continue to drive adoption of the technology across the province, we recognized that there was a gap in knowledge around permit requirements that needed to be addressed. We created new online resources to support homeowners and clients, which included dedicated informational pages that outlined permit requirements for heat pumps based on different installation scenarios, as well as an interactive permit requirement quiz helped homeowners determine which permits may be needed for their specific situation.

Together, the rebates and heat pump campaign drove a 39% increase over the typical monthly average in electrical installation permits related to heat pumps and a 333% increase over the typical monthly average of gas installation permits submitted for heat pump related work.

Additionally, the changes we made to the permits process enabled us to track heat pump installations and follow up with clients who may be missing additional permits.

Addressing the Grey Market

One of our primary goals is to address grey market activity taking place across the province. The grey market refers to individuals or companies who perform regulated work outside of the safety system.

Safety In Focus

How We're Addressing the Grey Market

Installation Permits

In 2025, a total of 136,593 installation permits were issued, a 5% increase compared to 2024.

Gas installation permits overall increased by 10% in 2025 compared to the previous year. This increase is likely temporary as these permits are required for permanently switching heating systems from gas furnaces to electrical heat pumps. Besides that, installation permits across technologies remained consistent.

Operating Permits

In 2025, there were 121,492 active operating permits, a 7% increase compared to 2024.

Installation Permits by Technology (2021-2025)

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Operating Permits by Year/Technology