The 2026 Guide to Electrical Permits and Inspections in Calgary

If you’re adding an electric vehicle charger, installing air conditioning, upgrading your panel, wiring a hot tub, or finishing a basement, you’ll have to deal with a City of Calgary electrical permit and inspection.

In 2026, electrical inspections are especially focused on one thing: service capacity. With more EV chargers and higher electrical demand in homes, inspectors are paying closer attention to load calculations and electrical panel limits.

Here’s how the process actually works, and how to avoid headaches with your permit and inspection.

Step 1: Pulling an Electrical Permit in Calgary

Most electrical projects require a permit in Calgary.

You’ll need one for things like:

• Electric vehicle charger installations

• Electrical panel upgrades

• Adding circuits

• Air conditioning installs

• Hot tubs

• Basement developments

• Secondary suites

• Service upgrades (100A to 200A)

Small repairs like swapping a light fixture usually don’t require an electrical permit. But if you’re running new wiring or adding load to the electrical system, you probably do.

As a homeowner, you can pull an electrical permit for work in your primary residence. That said, most people prefer having a licensed electrician handle it, especially for anything involving service upgrades or high-load electrical equipment.

Step 2: Booking the Inspection

Once the electrical work is complete, the inspection gets booked.

In Calgary, inspections aren’t scheduled to the hour. They’re booked into one of two windows:

• Morning: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Afternoon: 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You’ll find out the day of whether you’re on the morning or afternoon list.

Inspectors are busy and cover a lot of ground every day. If the work isn’t ready, they move on. A re-inspection fee can apply.

Before booking, make sure:

• The job is fully complete

• The electrical panel is accessible

• Breakers are installed and labeled

• Someone 18+ is on site during the inspection window

Preparation makes a big difference.

What Inspectors Are Really Looking For in 2026

The big focus right now is load demand.

With EV chargers, air conditioning, electric heating, and basement suites becoming more common, homes are pulling more power than ever.

A lot of Calgary homes still have 100 amp service. That used to be fine. Today, it can get tight.

If you’re adding a high-load device like:

• An electric vehicle charger

• Air conditioning

• A hot tub

• Electric heat

There’s a good chance a load calculation will be required.

Load Calculations: Why They Matter

A load calculation determines whether your existing electrical service can safely handle the added demand.

It looks at things like:

• Existing appliances

• Heating equipment

• Range and dryer loads

• Equipment demand

• Continuous vs non-continuous loads

• Total electrical service capacity

If the numbers are too close to your panel limit, the inspector may not sign off until it’s addressed. This is where a lot of homeowners get surprised.

If Your Electrical Service Is Maxed Out: Two Options

If your service is at its limit, you typically have two options.

Option 1: Upgrade the Electrical Service

Upgrading from 100A to 200A increases capacity, but usually involves:

• Replacing the panel

• Utility coordination

• Possible mast upgrades

• Higher cost overall

Option 2: Install a Load Shedding Device

In many cases, a load management device is a practical solution.

It monitors real-time electrical usage and temporarily reduces power to non-essential loads (like an EV charger) if the house is nearing its electrical limit. When demand drops, it restores power automatically.

In 2026, these devices are becoming more common, especially for EV chargers in homes with 100A service. They often allow you to pass inspection without a full service upgrade.

Common Reasons Electrical Inspections Do Not Pass

Failed electrical inspections are avoidable. The usual issues are:

• No load calculation when one is required

• Improper breaker sizing

• Incomplete panel labeling

• Clearance issues around the panel

• Bonding and grounding problems

• Adding high-demand equipment without verifying service capacity

It usually comes down to planning ahead.

How to Make It Go Smoothly

If you want your inspection to pass the first time:

• Pull the correct permit before starting

• Make sure the work is completely finished before booking

• Verify service capacity before installing high-load equipment

• Have load calculations ready if needed

• Keep access clear and safe

Electrical inspections aren’t meant to slow projects down. They’re there to make sure everything is safe and up to code. If the prep work is done properly, the inspection is usually straightforward.

Final Thoughts

Electrical permits and inspections in Calgary aren’t complicated, but they are getting stricter around service demand.

With more electrification happening in homes, inspectors are focused on:

• Electrical service capacity

• Load calculations

• Proper breaker sizing

• Code-compliant electrical installations