In September 2007, ECRA/ESA launched the 1st phase of the public awareness campaign promoting licensed electrical contractors.

The results of this campaign have been recorded and can be viewed on the attached video...

Introduction

On April 1, 1999, Ontario Hydro's Electrical Inspection Division became the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) assuming the responsibilities previously held by Ontario Hydro's Electrical Inspection Division. The ESA was established as a not-for-profit corporation following the Ministry of Government and Consumer Service's delegated administrative authority model that transfers the delivery of services previously provided by the Ministry to the private sector.

The Safety and Consumer Statutes Administration Act and an Administrative Agreement with the Ministry establish the legal framework for the ESA's operation as an Administrative Authority. In addition, the ESA is designated by Ontario Regulation 89/99 as the responsible authority for purposes of section 113 of the Electricity Act, 1998 and associated Ontario Regulations 10/02 (The Ontario Electrical Safety Code), 22/04 (Electrical Distribution Safety) and 570/05 (Licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians).

Since 2001, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and the electrical contracting sector have been working together to develop a provincial licensing framework proposal to address concerns with the current licensing scheme of electrical contractors and master electricians throughout the province of Ontario.

The 2003 Provincial Auditor's Report noted electrical safety concerns and recommended that the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS) and the ESA work with stakeholders to develop consistent provincial standards for ongoing licensing and training of electricians to improve public safety.

In late 2004 the Government of Ontario amended the Electricity Act, 1998, with the passage of Bill 70, to enable the establishment of a statutory framework for province-wide licensing of electrical contractors and master electricians in the compulsory electrical trades, to be administered by the ESA.

Ministry of Government and Consumer Services News Release

As of January 1, 2007 no person shall operate an Electrical Contracting Business in Ontario without first obtaining an Electrical Contractor Licence issues by ECRA/ESA.

As of January 1, 2007 no person shall assume the responsibility of a Designated Master Electrician for the carrying out of electrical work on behalf of an Electrical Contractor without first obtaining a Master Electrician Licence issues by ECRA/ESA.