Contractor Licensing
Ontario Regulation 570/05
An effective, efficient and transparent licensing function is an important part of ESA’s regulatory framework and one of the critical enablers of a robust electrical safety system in Ontario.
ESA has been hard at work developing a 2021-2025 Licensing Department Plan (Licensing Strategy) that will strengthen our collaboration and partnership with licence holders and other stakeholders. This Strategy aims to a) reduce barriers to compliance and improve safety-minded decision-making, b) maintain public confidence and c) target the underground economy. For more information on the Licensing Strategy, see the Public Consultation page.
If you intend to offer electrical installation services to the public, you must be licensed by ESA. It is the law. Once licensed, Licensed Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Electricity Act and Licensing Regulation (O. Reg. 570/05), and other applicable laws.
ESA is about enforcing electrical safety in the province of Ontario. Too often, we see dangerous electrical work done by unlicensed contractors, which can put families in danger and homes at risk. That is why we take underground economy very seriously. Individuals or companies found offering or performing electrical work without a valid licence as required, may be subject to compliance and enforcement procedures, including prosecution.