Ontario

How do I check an electrical contractor in Ontario?

Electrical contracting in Ontario must be done by a business licensed with the Electrical Safety Authority. The ESA's public search shows whether the business on your quote holds a licence.

The free steps

  1. 1. Start with the exact name on the quote

    Write down the business name exactly as the quote prints it, including Ltd., Inc. or a number. A trade name, a numbered company and a sole proprietorship can all be registered under other words, so if a search shows nothing, ask the contractor which name and number appear on their registration or licence before you read anything into it.

  2. 2. Search the ESA

    Open the ESA's find-a-licensed-electrical-contractor page and search the business name. The result shows the licence number and status.

    Official source: Find a Licensed Electrical Contractor (Electrical Safety Authority; checked 2026-07-15).

  3. 3. Ask about the permit and the inspection

    Electrical work in Ontario usually needs an ESA notification of work and an inspection. Ask whether the quote includes both.

  4. 4. If the business is not listed

    Ask whether a licensed subcontractor will do the electrical work, and search that business. A general contractor may not hold the licence themselves.

Every step for a contractor in Ontario

Questions people ask

Is a licensed electrician the same as a licensed electrical contractor?

No. A person holds a trade certificate; the business that contracts the work is what the ESA licenses. Check the business.

Or ask Jay

Jay does these steps for you and writes up what the records show, with the source and date for each finding. The $39 Full Check (no tax added) also reads your quote and insurance papers, and a person reviews every Full Check before it goes out. The $19 Quick Check is opening soon.

Order a Full CheckSee a sample Full Check

Three quotes. One Jay check. Then the deposit.

Information, not a verdict. A record that is not found is not evidence of wrongdoing, and nothing here is legal, insurance or safety advice.

Published 2026-10-20; sources last checked on the dates shown beside each step.