ESA Statement on Ontario Spring Flooding

MISSISSAUGA, ON May 7, 2019 – Due to the unprecedented level of flooding and subsequent need for immediate actions to keep Ontarians safe from electrical harm, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is waiving reconnection fees effective immediately in regard to the restoration of electrical services in flood damaged areas in the province. For anyone who has already paid this fee, a full refund will be provided through the customer service centre at 1-877-372-7233. 

“Our hearts go to those who have been impacted by the flooding and our teams are working hand in hand with local authorities to restore power as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Earl Davison, Vice-President – Operations. 

ESA continues to advise Ontarians of the risk of electrical harm during spring flooding season. 

Follow these four steps if your property has flooded: 

1. Never assume the area affected by the flood is safe. 
2. Stay out of your basement or property if you know or suspect water has risen above electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, furnace or near your electrical panel. Electricity can move through water or wet flooring and you could receive a serious shock. 
3. If flood water has risen above outlets, baseboard heaters, furnace, covered power cords, or near the electrical panel, contact your local electric utility immediately and arrange for them to disconnect power to your home. Have your electrical system assessed and repaired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor. You can find a Licensed Electrical Contractor in your area using the search tool on findacontractor.esasafe.com.
4. Do not plug in or use electrical appliances that have come into contact with flood waters until the appliances have been checked or serviced by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or appliance service provider. Call a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or contact the manufacturer or dealer for the nearest service location. 

Assessing the safety of your electrical system after a flood: 
ESA strongly recommends you hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor to evaluate your home’s electrical system to determine if it is safe. 

• The contractor is required to take out an electrical permit with ESA so there is a record of the work; 
• When the contractor completes the work, ESA will confirm work has been done according to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and power can be reconnected; 
• ESA will inform the utility that it is safe to reconnect your power; the utility will restore power when it is able to do so; and 
• After the work is done, ask the contractor for a copy of the ESA Certificate of Acceptance for your records and insurance. 

About the Electrical Safety Authority

The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA’s) role is to enhance public electrical safety in Ontario. As an administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety across the province.

More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at www.esasafe.com, through https://twitter.com/homeandsafety and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ElectricalSafetyAuthority.