ESA Electrical Plan Review Ontario | When & How to Submit

Electrical Plan Review is a mandatory review process required by the Electrical Safety Authority for certain larger or more complex electrical installations in Ontario. The review checks proposed designs for compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code before work can begin. Understanding when a plan review is required helps contractors, property managers, and business owners avoid delays and ensure legal, safe installations across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.

Ionix Electrical (ECRA/ESA Licence #7017371), Fully Licensed & Insured, handles projects that require ESA Plan Review and coordinates the necessary submissions. Call (647) 783-2210 or email info@ionixelectrical.com for professional support.

Important Update: Plan Review Threshold Change

A Director’s Order has increased the Plan Review threshold stated in Rule 2-010 from 10 kW to 12 kW. This change takes effect on July 6, 2026. Always confirm the current threshold and related guidance on the official ESA website.

When an Electrical Plan Review Is Required

Plan review is required before electrical work may start when the installation includes any of the following:

• A three-phase consumer service or standby generation equal to or over 400 amp circuit capacity
• A single-phase consumer service or standby generation equal to or over 600 amp
• A feeder greater than 1000 amp
• An emergency power supply for life safety systems (Section 46), excluding unit equipment
• Installations within the scope of Section 64 or bi-directional electric vehicle supply equipment with an output rating more than 12 kW
• Electric vehicle supply equipment installations (except for a single dwelling unit) where the total nameplate rating of existing and new equipment exceeds 20% of the service equipment rating
• Any installation operating at more than 750 volts (with limited exceptions for certain pole lines and utility-owned equipment)

The plan review is an audit for Ontario Electrical Safety Code compliance. It does not approve or certify the electrical design and is not a substitute for the work of a Professional Engineer.

For complete and current rules, refer to the Electrical Safety Authority.

How to Submit for Plan Review

All submissions must be made through the Electronic Plan Review (EPR) Portal. You must have a valid ESA customer account and be registered for the portal. Submissions that do not meet requirements may be rejected.

Key requirements include:

• Submission only through the EPR Portal
• Separate submissions for sites with different civic addresses
• Unlocked PDF files and other supported formats
• A completed Plan Review submittal form (project information + checklist)
• A single-line diagram in every submission
• A stamped and signed Grounding Study (when required) for high-voltage station ground electrode designs

Support for the portal is available through ESA’s Plan Review department. Energy-related projects and efficiency upgrades may also align with programs available through Save on Energy.

Why Professional Support Matters

Complex projects involving high-capacity services, emergency systems, EV charging infrastructure, or high voltage require careful coordination. Errors or incomplete submissions cause delays. Working with a Licensed Electrical Contractor who understands ESA processes reduces risk and keeps the project moving.

Ionix Electrical provides full support for projects that trigger Plan Review requirements. Our services include service and panel upgrades, electrical construction, EV charger installation, commercial electrical services, wiring services, and coordination of ESA inspections. We serve Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, and the surrounding GTA.

Learn more about our professional electricians in Toronto.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ESA Electrical Plan Review?
It is a review of proposed electrical designs for compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Work on qualifying installations cannot begin until the review is completed.

When does a project require Plan Review?
Projects involving large services, high-capacity feeders, emergency life-safety power, certain EV charging systems, or installations over 750 volts typically require review. Thresholds and exceptions are defined in the Code and ESA guidance.

Can work start before the Plan Review is finished?
No. For installations that trigger the requirement, electrical work may not start until plans have been reviewed.

Does Ionix Electrical handle Plan Review submissions?
Yes. We coordinate the technical requirements and work with clients and design professionals to support compliant submissions through the EPR Portal.

Is a Professional Engineer still required?
Yes. Plan Review is not a substitute for professional engineering design where the Code or project scope requires it.

Need help with a project that requires ESA Plan Review?
Contact Ionix Electrical (ECRA/ESA Licence #7017371), Fully Licensed & Insured, at (647) 783-2210 or info@ionixelectrical.com. We provide experienced electrical contracting services across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.