Unlicensed Ottawa electrician fined $25,000
by CM staff
If you're working with a general contractor, ask them to make sure that the electrician they're hiring is an LEC, and that they get an ESA permit.
MISSISSAUGA — On May 29, 2023, Oscar Lewis was convicted in Ottawa on several counts of operating an electrical contracting business without a valid electrical contractor licence, and for failing to file notifications of work (permits) with the Electrical Safety Authority. In total, Lewis 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. He was also placed on probation until May 2025.
Based on ESA’s investigations, Lewis was first hired in February 2020 for a complete renovation of a commercial property. Lewis’ work included: installing pot lights, outlets, smoke detectors, fire alarms, electrical signage, and even replacing the electrical panel. Then, and in June-July of 2021 and at a second site, Lewis removed fluorescent lights over a restaurant bar and replaced them with new LED lights. Finally, and at a third site in July of 2021– another restaurant – Lewis wired an outside walk-in fridge.
Lewis is a repeat offender, having been convicted in 2013 for working without a permit and not being a licensed electrical contractor across four different locations. He was investigated in 2018/19 for similar offences.
“A contractor may seem qualified or offer a low rate, but that doesn’t mean you can rely on them to provide safe electrical work,” says Emily Larose, Vice President of Regulatory and General Counsel, Electrical Safety Authority. “Poor electrical work can have serious consequences to property and people alike, so it’s crucial to hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor who obtains a permit from the Electrical Safety Authority.”
