FAQs

We maintain trees along corridors on a regular cycle (generally every three years). If we have to work on additional trees, we’ll notify the affected residents. 

Clearances within our easement must be maintained. If vegetation interferes with our equipment, we may have to trim or remove it. To ensure a safe clearance, you could replant the vegetation. Always contact Ontario Dig Authority (1-800-400-2255) before you dig and refer to Hydro Ottawa’s ‘Tree Planting Advice’ brochure.

They’re usually located within our easements or the City’s Right-of-Way (near property lines or in back/side yards). Generally, we install new equipment in the same locations as existing infrastructure.

This is a legal right that allows us to access a portion of private property to install or maintain electrical equipment. This part of the property must remain accessible and clear of obstructions.

“Right-of-Way” or “Road Right-of-Way” or “Road Allowance” is the strip of land between private property lines reserved for public use (roads, sidewalks, signs, utilities). 

See “Programs and incentives” for current offerings and links to third-party programs, including the Home Renovation Savings Program, CoolSaver, and Energy Affordability Program, as well as the City of Ottawa’s Better Homes Ottawa.

The ULO plan offers very low rates from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Charging your EV overnight lowers costs and reduces grid strain.

You can plug a Level 1 charger into a standard 120-V outlet. Level 1 chargers are convenient, but they can take more than 24 hours to fill-up your EV.

For faster charging, install a 240-V Level 2 charger, which can top-up your EV in 4-10 hours, depending on the vehicle and charger.
 

 Use tools like PlugShare, ChargeHub or Transport Canada’s station locator.

Level 1: Standard wall outlet (120V), slow charging (overnight).
Level 2: 208–240V, average, suitable for homes, workplaces, and public stations.
Level 3 (DC fast): 480V+, rapid charging for public and commercial use. 

It increases your electricity use. Track your usage in MyAccount and consider rate options like TOU or ULO, which both allow you to charge your EV at lower overnight rates.

If your installation requires changes to your home’s electrical service (e.g., capacity upgrade), your licensed electrical contractor must submit an Electrical Service Request to us before work begins.

Always hire a licensed electrical contractor. Verify they have an ESA permit before starting the installation.

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) will inspect your installation and issue a Certificate of Inspection once it meets safety standards. Use certified equipment (CSA, cUL, cETL).

Yes. Contact us before your installation, so our team can confirm if we have service capacity.

For multiple chargers or large projects, we may conduct a preliminary consultation and issue a preliminary consultation report (capacity is not reserved until you accept our Offer to Connect).

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - this is the hardware and software that safely transfers electricity from the grid to an EV battery.

This is a feasibility report issued after you submit an EV Preliminary Consultation Information Request (EVPCIR). It outlines connection potential and available capacity.

No. Capacity is reserved only after you formally accept our Offer to Connect (OTC).

The offer to connect includes the responsibilities of both parties, estimated costs, required approvals and timelines, as well as service conditions for connecting your EVSE to Hydro Ottawa’s grid.