Safety

Restoring Power

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Electrical equipment may belong to you and not the electrical utility. Typically, your ownership of electrical equipment begins where the wires attach to the house. The wire from the pole to your house is usually owned by your utility. The mast, the wires inside, and those attached to/in the house belong to you. 

Visually assess for damages to electrical equipment, but do not touch. If your electrical equipment is damaged, you will need to make repairs or disconnect them before the utility can safely reconnect power. You should start this process immediately.

Storm-related Electrical Repairs

After serious damage to your home's electrical system, the utility may not be able to reconnect your power until you make repairs. In some cases, you may be able to make temporary repairs to get your power back immediately. 

Temporary Repairs: If ESA acknowledged temporary repairs were done to let power be restored, these repairs must be made permanent for safety reasons. ESA or your utility will send you a letter, advising you have 30 days to make the temporary repairs permanent. 

Getting Repairs Done

1. Do not try to repair this equipment yourself. Stay back to avoid the risk of shock, electrocution or fire. Power may only be partially interrupted and there may be a risk of shock hazards present even if it does not appear to be on based on lights or appliances. 
2. Contact a Licensed Electrical Contractor to make repairs.
3. Once you have hired a Licensed Electrical Contractor:
   • The contractor will file for a notification of work (permit) with ESA so there is a record of the work;
   • The contractor must request a “disconnection” from the local utility if they are working on the meter base or service mast;
   • The contractor will complete the work and notify ESA;
   • An ESA Inspector will confirm the power can be reconnected and will inform the utility that it can reconnect; and
   • The utility will reconnect when it is able to do so.
4. Ask your Licensed Electrical Contractor for a copy of the ESA Certificate of Acceptance for your records and insurance purposes. 

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, most home insurance policies cover the cost to repair a home's electrical mast. However, a Licensed Electrical Contractor must do the repairs, and you must pay your insurance policy deductible. Send the insurer your receipts for the claim.

Find a Licensed Electrical Contractor Near You

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Ensure you hire someone who can legally do electrical work in Ontario.