ESA Public Consultations
Proposed Easement to Plan Review Submission Requirements: 10-12 kW
ESA, as the regulator of electrical safety in Ontario, is constantly reviewing the current electrical safety requirements to ensure the regulatory framework continues to provide the appropriate balance between the need to ensure safety while supporting modernization and eliminating unnecessary encumbrance on industry.
Following the announced changes to the Ontario Energy Board’s Distribution System Code, the ESA has been reviewing the threshold for Plan Review of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and considering raising the threshold to align with the OEB. Currently installation that are in excess of 10kW require a submission to the Plan Review division of ESA prior to construction. Recognizing that the electrification transition continues across the province, this proposed change will maintain alignment and consistency within the industry. Further, raising the threshold for Plan Review submissions for DERs to 12kW will reduce some of the cost and time required to access that review process. Industry stakeholders and customers have seen the value in Plan Review and can continue to avail themselves of the opportunity to submit to Plan Review and/or schedule consultations for installations below the thresholds.
ESA is proposed to issue a Director’s Order to increase the Plan Review Threshold for DERs from 10kW to 12kW. This proposed change intends to reflect the current industry trend towards increasing standard equipment sizes of inverters, commonly reaching values greater than 10kW, and supports harmonization within the industry.
This public consultation will be open from Monday, April 20, 2026, until Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Review Consultation Background and Rationale
To submit your feedback, please email der.publicconsultation@electricalsafety.on.ca
Completed Consultations
Ontario Electrical Safety Code 29th Edition
ESA consulted on the proposed amendments to the OESC and welcomed feedback from contractors, consumers, businesses, and other stakeholders. The consultation ran from February 29 to May 3, 2024.
View the 2024 OESC Consultation — Amendments and Feedback
Proposed Changes to Entertainment and Deviation Request Fees
ESA requests input from stakeholders on two fee change proposals.
- The first proposal would introduce cost recovery fees for deviation applications.
- The second proposal would increase entertainment fees also in order to achieve cost recovery.
For those who are interested in reviewing the proposals in detail and submitting feedback, please see the document below.
The consultation closed December 21, 2023.