Electrical Safety Authority Honours Leaders Helping Build a Safer, More Electrified Future
From preparing the next generation of skilled workers to supporting one of the world's largest sporting events, this year's recipients demonstrate how electrical safety supports Ontario's future
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 17, 2026 /CNW/ -- As Ontario electrifies homes, transportation and industry, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has recognized the organizations and individuals helping ensure safety keeps pace with that growth.
At the 17th annual Ontario Electrical Safety Awards, held during ESA's 2026 Annual Meeting, recipients were honoured for leadership in workplace safety, emergency response, public education, skilled trades training and industry collaboration. This year's program received a record number of nominations and introduced the inaugural Electrical Safety Partnership Award.
The Honourable Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, was also in attendance and joined industry leaders, safety partners and award recipients at the ceremony.
"As our economy and daily lives become increasingly electrified, safety must remain at the centre of that progress," said Josie Erzetic, President and CEO, Electrical Safety Authority. "Whether it's restoring power after major storms, connecting new communities to the grid, supporting emerging technologies or preparing the newer generation of skilled workers, these recipients demonstrate how collaboration is helping build the safe, reliable electricity system Ontario will need for the energy transition ahead."
"Congratulations to this year's recipients, who represent the very best of Ontario," said Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. "Electrical safety is fundamental to Ontario's vision for growth. ESA's work helps create the conditions for our province to build with confidence, and this year's award winners exemplify the leadership and commitment that will help power and protect our province."
During the event, ESA's Public Safety Officer, Patience Cathcart, presented the Public Safety Officer's Special Recognition Award and launched the 25th anniversary edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Report. ESA Board Chair Arjan Arenja also reflected on the importance of embedding safety into the foundation of Ontario's evolving energy system to support public confidence and continued progress.
2026 Ontario Electrical Safety Award Recipients
Workplace Safety Award
Barton Malow Canada was recognized for helping establish a new benchmark for electrical safety in Ontario's emerging battery energy storage sector. The company safely delivered Sanjgon Battery Energy Storage Facility in Lakeshore, Ontario, one of the province's first permitted utility-scale battery energy storage projects with more than 70,000 work hours and zero lost-time incidents, contributing to more than one million consecutive hours worked without a lost-time injury.
Powerline Safety Award
Charlie Leibold and Ryan Good at Enova Power Corporation were recognized for improving electrical safety for first responders through practical, scenario-based training. The program is now mandatory for approximately 400 Waterloo Region paramedics and is also used to train Waterloo Fire Rescue recruits. Since its implementation, there have been no reported electrical contacts involving the region's three emergency service groups.
Consumer and Home Safety Award
Toronto Community Housing Corporation was recognized for strengthening electrical safety into one of Ontario's largest social housing portfolios through ESA's Continuous Safety Services (CSS) program. Its proactive, data-informed approach has enhanced oversight, standardized safety practices and helped protect thousands of residents through continuous improvement.
Electrical Safety Partnership Award
FIFA Canada, the City of Toronto, Toronto Hydro, Exhibition Place, Aggreko, Arena Group and Showtech Power & Lighting received the inaugural Electrical Safety Partnership Award for their collaborative work delivering the complex electrical needs for one of the world's largest sporting events. Early planning and coordination supported the safe installation of a complex temporary electrical system that included more than 600 temporary power circuits and up to 15 kilometres of temporary power cable, helping ensure public safety as the city welcomed the world.
Licensed Electrical Contractor Recognition Award
Conestogo Electric was recognized for more than 50 years of leadership through technical excellence, mentorship and support for skilled trades education. The company has also opened active job sites to researchers studying safer work practices that will benefit electricians across the industry.
Public Safety Officer's Special Recognition Award
The Heavy Construction Equipment Operator programs at Conestoga College and Fleming College were honoured for nearly a decade of partnership with ESA to help prepare future equipment operators to recognize electrical hazards before entering the workforce. Graduates continue to report using the training to identify hazards and prevent serious incidents on the job.
You can learn more about the 2026 Ontario Electrical Safety Awards recipients by visiting: ESAsafe.com/SafetyAwards.
About the Electrical Safety Authority
The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA's) role is to improve public electrical safety in Ontario. ESA is an administrative authority responsible for administering specific regulations under the Electricity Act, 1998 (Part VIII) related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety across the province.
SOURCE Electrical Safety Authority
For further information, please contact the Electrical Safety Authority by phone (905-712-7819) or email at: [email protected].
Share this article