October 12, 2023 – Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority reports that Oscar L. was convicted in Ottawa on several counts of operating an electrical contracting business without a valid licence, and for failing to file notifications of work (permits) with ESA.

Oscar L. was ordered by the court to pay $25,000 in fines for electrical work he conducted on separate occasions at several commercial properties in Ottawa, and has been placed on probation until May 2025.

Based on its investigations, ESA says Oscar L. was first hired in February 2020 for a complete renovation of a commercial property. His work included installing potlights, outlets, smoke detectors, fire alarms and electrical signage, and replacing an electrical panel.

At another site in the summer of 2021, he removed fluorescent lights over a bar and replaced them with LED lights. At a third site in July 2021, he wired a walk-in fridge.

According to ESA, Oscar L. is also a repeat offender, having been convicted in 2013 for working without a permit and not being an LEC across four different locations.

When hiring an electrical contractor/electrician in Ontario, ESA suggests watching out for these red flags:

• There is no ECRA/ESA licence number on their work vehicle or estimate.
• The contractor won’t show you their electrical contractor licence number when asked.
• They often do more than just electrical work e.g. drywall, flooring, plumbing, snow removal, etc.
• They are not listed on the ESA’s Contractor Look-Up tool.
• They ask the homeowner to get the ESA permit, or say that it is not needed.
• They offer a discount if you pay cash and/or they only accept only cash and/or they won’t provide a receipt.
• They say “If anyone asks, tell them you did the work yourself”.

You can report unlicensed electrical contractors through ESA’s anonymous reporting tool at esasafe.com/reportacontractor.