Helping protect what matters
A rapidly evolving energy sector deserves a rapidly responding regulator. The Electrical Safety Authority partners with government, the energy sector, industry, and safety partners in support of electrical safety.
Our safe energy system enables Ontario’s thriving economy. As the province expands infrastructure to meet rising electrical demand, a safe transition powers prosperity for all.
Supporting our economy
When our energy system is supported by safe and compliant operations at scale, Ontario’s economy can thrive.
From planning through to final inspection, ESA’s safety oversight spans across residential, commercial, industrial, and critical infrastructure sectors.
Modernizing to deliver more for Ontario
As Ontario’s electrical needs grow, so does our commitment to being a responsive, evidence-based regulator. The Electrical Safety Authority continually modernizes how it regulates and promotes electrical safety.
We:
- Conduct over 400,000 inspections annually, concentrating resources on highest-risk installations across residential, commercial, and industrial environments
- Use inspection, permit, and incident data (including analyses from the annual Ontario Electrical Safety Report) to identify risk and direct targeted interventions
- Ensure electrical work is completed safely and to code across Ontario through licensing, permitting, and inspection processes
- Apply rigorous enforcement measures to deter unsafe and unlicensed electrical activity, including combatting the underground economy
- Invest in digital tools, remote inspections, and modernized licensing processes to improve efficiency, transparency, and service quality
- Work with industry and sector stakeholders to develop best-in-class safety codes, drive national harmonization, and update safety practices as the sector evolves
A partner in Ontario’s safe energy system
By meeting best-in-class safety standards, new investments in our energy sector will help businesses, industry, and government to deliver more for Ontario.
From the early planning stages to final inspections, the ESA partners across the energy sector to help embed compliance and confidence at every stage of electrification.
For example, we:
- Collaborate with local distribution companies on electrical safety requirements, including coordinated emergency response restoration
- Support safe integration of EV infrastructure, energy storage, solar, and DERs through updated codes, technical guidance and upstream product review before field deployment
- Streamline oversight processes, introduce digital tools, and help utilities move fast and safe on grid expansion and integration of new technologies
- Provide technical guidance on grid-edge devices, system risks, and compliance challenges—engaging early to help prevent costly rework
- Monitor emerging risks and collaborate to develop safety codes that enable innovation without compromising safety