The Regulator
SAFELY POWERING TOMORROW ESA’s journey towards becoming a modern regulator
Soussanna Karas, Director, Licensing and Training, Electrical Safety Authority
P Soussanna Karas, Director, Licensing and Training, Electrical Safety Authority
24 THEREGISTRAR.CA
About ESA
icture it – you purchased an electrical vehicle (EV). You are trying to be an environmentally responsible citizen making your contribution to the reduction of carbon emissions. As a next step, you go online to Kijiji or Craigslist and find an electrician who promises they can install an EV charger fast, and cheap. Without a second thought and without verifying whether they are licensed, they are hired. They come to your home and install the charger in your garage. In fact, they aren’t licensed. No permit for the work is obtained from the regulator and no inspection is conducted. In this situation, despite your best intentions, you have engaged with the under-
ground economy and potentially put your new vehicle investment, your property and your family at risk of fire or worse. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) regulates and promotes electrical safety in Ontario. ESA is mandated by the Ontario Government to implement and administer Part VIII of the Electricity Act and associated Regulations. ESA’s vision is an Ontario where people can live, work, and play safe from electrical harm.
Supporting the future of electrification in Ontario One of the ESA’s primary functions is licensing and regulating Master Electricians (ME) and Licensed
