OTTAWA, ON - February 6, 2026 - Canada's Electric Vehicle Availability Standard officially takes effect this year, requiring that 20 percent of all new light-duty vehicles sold be zero-emission. Over 270,000 new EVs were registered across the country in 2024 alone, and Ontario led all provinces with over 12,000 new EV registrations in a single quarter. For Ottawa homeowners, the shift brings an urgent question most haven't considered: can your home's electrical system actually handle a Level 2 charger?
Ottawa Electric Service, an ESA-certified residential and commercial electrician serving the greater Ottawa area, is reporting a sharp increase in calls from homeowners discovering their aging 100-amp panels cannot safely support EV charging alongside modern winter heating loads.
"Most people assume they can just plug in a charger and go," said Sean Moher of Ottawa Electric Service. "But a Level 2 EV charger draws 7,200 watts continuously. Combine that with electric heating, a hot tub, or an older panel, and you're looking at a serious overload risk. The first step is always a professional assessment."
The 100-Amp Problem
The majority of Ottawa homes built before 2000 were equipped with 100-amp electrical panels—sufficient for the era, but increasingly inadequate for today's energy demands. A single Level 2 EV charger can consume 30 to 40 amps of dedicated capacity, leaving little headroom for heating, cooking, and other household circuits.
Ottawa Electric Service reports that roughly seven out of ten EV charger inquiries now require an electrical panel upgrade before installation can proceed. Upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service ensures the home can safely handle current and future electrical demands—including EV charging, heat pumps, and smart home systems.
"An electrical panel upgrade isn't just about the charger," Moher explained. "It's about future-proofing your home. Between EVs, heat pumps, and the shift away from gas appliances, 200-amp service is quickly becoming the new standard in Ottawa."
More Than Just EV Chargers
While the EV boom is driving much of the demand, Ottawa Electric Service has seen parallel growth across its full range of residential and commercial services:
- EV Charger Installation: The company is one of Ottawa's leading EV charger installers, handling everything from load calculations and permit filing to ESA inspections. They install all major brands including Grizzl-E, FLO, ChargePoint, and Tesla Wall Connectors, with load monitoring solutions for homes that want to avoid costly panel upgrades.
- Electrical Safety Inspections: With Ontario's Electrical Safety Authority tightening enforcement on aging residential wiring, demand for electrical inspections has surged. Ottawa Electric Service performs full home inspections that identify knob-and-tube wiring, outdated breakers, and code violations before they become safety hazards or insurance issues.
- Hot Tub and Spa Wiring: Ottawa's growing demand for backyard living spaces has made hot tub electrical installation one of the company's most requested services. Dedicated 240-volt circuits, GFCI protection, and proper bonding are required by code—work that must be performed by a licensed electrician.
- Commercial Electrical Services: Beyond residential work, the company provides full commercial electrical services, including dedicated circuit installation, interior and exterior lighting, emergency exit lighting, and panel upgrades for offices, retail, and multi-unit buildings across Ottawa.
The Federal Incentive Gap
The timing of the 2026 ZEV mandate creates a unique challenge for Ottawa homeowners. The federal iZEV purchase incentive program was paused in January 2025 after funds were fully committed ahead of schedule, and Ontario currently offers no provincial EV charger rebate for single-family homes. Hydro Ottawa's ZEVIP funding remains available only for multi-unit buildings and workplaces.
Ottawa Electric Service advises homeowners not to wait for incentive programs to resume before upgrading their electrical infrastructure. "The demand for qualified electricians is only increasing," said Moher. "Homeowners who get their panel and wiring assessed now will avoid the rush and premium pricing that comes when the 2026 mandate drives even more buyers toward EVs."
Serving All Ottawa Neighbourhoods
Ottawa Electric Service provides licensed electrical work across the greater Ottawa area, including Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Orleans, Centretown, the Glebe, Westboro, Stittsville, and Manotick. The company offers free estimates and handles all ESA permits and inspections.
About Ottawa Electric Service
Ottawa Electric Service is a locally owned and ESA-certified electrical contractor providing residential and commercial services across Ottawa and surrounding communities. Specializing in EV charger installations, electrical panel upgrades, safety inspections, home rewiring, and commercial electrical work, the company delivers code-compliant solutions with transparent pricing, guaranteed labour, and warrantied parts. Services are available in both English and French.
Media Contact
Company Name: Ottawa Electric Service
Contact Person: Sean Moher
Email: Send Email
Phone: (613) 518-5010
Address:130 Albert St
City: Ottawa
State: Ontario
Country: Canada
Website: https://ottawaelectricservice.ca/
