Electrical work in Ontario is subject to mandatory ESA permitting and inspection, which adds to both cost and timeline compared to unregulated trades. These requirements exist for good reason — improper electrical work is a leading cause of residential fires. Here is what to budget for common electrical projects in the Renfrew County area in 2026.
Hourly Rates
Licensed electricians in the Renfrew County area typically charge $85–$130 per hour for residential work. The range reflects experience level, business overhead, and whether the contractor is a sole proprietor or a larger electrical company with additional crew.
Many electricians quote electrical projects as a fixed price rather than hourly — particularly for standard work like panel upgrades or EV charger installations where scope is predictable. Request a fixed price where possible; it is easier to compare quotes and protects against scope creep on hourly billing.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
Panel upgrades are among the most common electrical projects in Renfrew County's older housing stock. Many homes still have 60-amp or 100-amp service that is inadequate for modern electrical loads — particularly as EV chargers, heat pumps, and induction ranges become more common.
- 100A → 200A panel upgrade: $2,000–$4,000 (includes panel, labour, and permit; utility company coordination may add cost if service entrance work is needed)
- 60A → 200A service upgrade: $2,500–$5,000 (more extensive service entrance work required)
- Subpanel addition (for garage, workshop, or addition): $800–$2,000
Note: Panel upgrades require both an ESA permit and coordination with the local utility (Hydro One for most of Renfrew County) to disconnect and reconnect service. Factor in potential utility-side delays and costs, which are separate from the electrician's fee.
EV Charger Installation (Level 2)
Level 2 EV charger installation is a growing project category. A Level 2 charger operates on 240V and typically requires a dedicated 40–50A circuit.
- EV charger installation, 240V / 50A dedicated circuit (garage): $1,200–$2,500
- Includes: new circuit from panel, conduit run as needed, outlet or hardwired EVSE connection, ESA permit and inspection
- The charger unit itself (EVSE) is typically supplied by the homeowner or included in the quote — confirm which applies
EV charger installation may be eligible for grant funding — see the Canada Greener Homes Loan and IESO Save on Energy programs.
New Circuit Addition
Adding a single new circuit — for a dedicated appliance, workshop outlet, bathroom exhaust fan, or kitchen upgrade — is one of the more common small electrical jobs.
- New 15A or 20A circuit (finished space, accessible panel): $300–$600
- New circuit with conduit run or difficult access: $500–$800+
Always confirm that a permit is being pulled for circuit additions — it is legally required and ESA inspection confirms the work meets code.
Whole-Home Rewiring (Knob-and-Tube Removal)
Knob-and-tube wiring, found in many Renfrew County homes built before 1945, is a significant undertaking to replace. It has no ground wire, and its cloth insulation often deteriorates with age. Most insurance companies now require its replacement or refuse to insure homes containing active knob-and-tube circuits.
- Whole-home rewiring, small home (under 1,000 sq ft): $8,000–$12,000
- Average home (1,200–2,000 sq ft): $12,000–$20,000
- Large or complex home, multi-storey, finished basement: $20,000+
Cost varies significantly depending on accessibility: homes where walls and ceilings must be opened up cost more. Some electricians use fishing techniques to minimize drywall damage, but complete rewiring almost always requires some patching afterward.
Generator Transfer Switch
Power outages are a reality in rural Renfrew County. A transfer switch allows a portable or standby generator to safely power selected circuits or the whole home without backfeeding the grid — which is both dangerous and illegal without proper isolation.
- Manual transfer switch (selected circuits): $800–$1,500
- Whole-home manual or automatic transfer switch: $1,500–$2,500+
ESA Permit and Inspection Fees
ESA permit and inspection fees are typically $100–$350 for most residential projects, and are often included in an electrician's fixed-price quote. Confirm this explicitly — some contractors quote labour and materials separately from permit fees.
ESA inspection must occur before electrical work is concealed (before walls are drywalled over). Factor inspection timing into your project schedule, particularly if you are coordinating with other trades.