How to Hire an Electrician in Ontario
To hire an electrician in Ontario, hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor: by law, anyone you pay to do electrical work in your home must hold an ECRA/ESA licence, which you can check on ESA's online contractor locator. The contractor files the ESA notification and requests the inspection, so ask for ESA's Certificate of Acceptance when the work is done, and get written quotes for any job over $500.
How Ontario electricians compare on ProScore
ProScore lists 2,007 electricians in Ontario, and has published a ProScore for 1,768 of them. 582 of those reach Trusted (70+) or higher. ProScore matched 931 of them (46%) to the WSIB register by business name. A business that is not matched may still be covered, so ask any electrician you are considering for a current WSIB clearance certificate. 1,478 (74%) hold an ESA licence that ProScore found in force on the register. Look up any business you are considering on the register yourself before you hire.
Counted from ProScore's current listings, refreshed daily. How ProScore scores
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What Ontario's rules say
- When a licensed contractor files it, ESA's 2026 fee for renovation wiring in an existing house runs from $46, for a small job of up to 10 outlets filed for a final inspection only, to $256 for 41 or more outlets with service work, before HST. EV chargers, hot tubs and solar panels carry their own fees, and ESA's $92 minimum applies only to the fees its guide marks with an asterisk; the 1–10 outlet contractor fee is not one of them. Electrical Safety Authority
- By law, anyone you hire to do electrical work in your home in Ontario must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor, and the contractor files the notification and requests ESA's inspection. Electrical Safety Authority
- Almost all electrical work must be reported to the Electrical Safety Authority with a notification of work, and a building permit is not the same thing: you may need both. Electrical Safety Authority
- Ask for the contractor's ECRA/ESA licence number, check it on ESA's Find a Contractor tool, and ask for ESA's Certificate of Acceptance when the work is complete, for your records and your insurer. Electrical Safety Authority
- A homeowner may do electrical work in their own home after filing a notification with ESA, but friends, family members or neighbours may not do it for them. Electrical Safety Authority
Red Flags to Watch For
Not ESA/ECRA licensed
This is non-negotiable. Unlicensed electrical work is illegal in Ontario and your insurance will not cover any resulting damage.
Says permits are not needed
Almost all electrical work beyond replacing a light switch requires an ESA permit. If they say otherwise, find someone else.
No written quote
Electrical jobs can escalate quickly. A detailed written quote protects both parties.
Wants to skip the ESA inspection
Inspections ensure safety and code compliance. Skipping them puts your family at risk.
Cash-only, no receipt
This usually means they are not reporting income and may not carry proper insurance.
Cannot explain what they will do
A good electrician can explain the work in plain language. If they cannot, they may not fully understand the job.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
“What is your ESA/ECRA licence number?”
“Will you pull the ESA permit?”
“Is my panel adequate for this work?”
“What is included in your warranty?”
“How will you handle the ESA inspection?”
Licensing: Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
Every electrical contractor in Ontario must hold an ECRA/ESA licence. The Electrical Safety Authority maintains a public registry where you can verify any contractor. Hiring an unlicensed electrician is not just risky — it is illegal, and any resulting damage may not be covered by your home insurance.
Verify at Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to hire an unlicensed electrician in Ontario?
Yes. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires all electrical work to be done by ESA-licensed contractors. Violations can result in fines and voided insurance.
What does an ESA permit cost?
When a licensed contractor files it, ESA's 2026 notification (permit) fee for renovation wiring in an existing house runs from $46 for a small job of up to 10 outlets to $256 for 41 or more outlets with service work, before HST. EV chargers, hot tubs and solar panels carry their own ESA fees.
Can I do my own electrical work?
Homeowners can do basic work in their own primary residence with an ESA permit and inspection, but anything complex should be left to licensed professionals.
How do I verify an electrician’s licence?
Visit esasafe.com and use their contractor verification tool. Enter the contractor name or licence number.
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Sources
- Electrical Safety Authority, 2026 Wiring Fee Guide (Effective July 6, 2026). Accessed October 23, 2026.
- Electrical Safety Authority, Notifications and inspections. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Electrical Safety Authority, Notifications and inspections. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Electrical Safety Authority, Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Electrical Safety Authority, Do-it-yourself (DIY) electrical work. Accessed October 19, 2026.
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