What does ESA inspection cost in New Brunswick?

There is no ESA in New Brunswick — that's an Ontario organization. In New Brunswick, electrical inspections are handled by TSANB (Technical Safety Authority of New Brunswick), which is the provincial regulatory body that issues permits and conducts inspections under the Canadian Electrical Code as adopted by NB.

It's a common mix-up, especially if you've moved from Ontario or found information online that wasn't province-specific.

How TSANB Inspections Work

In New Brunswick, the inspection process works differently than in some other provinces. Your licensed electrical contractor pulls the permit before work begins — homeowners don't typically apply for electrical permits themselves. The permit fee is paid at that stage and is usually built into your electrician's quote. Once the work is complete, a TSANB inspector visits the site, reviews the installation, and if everything meets the Canadian Electrical Code (NB edition), issues a Certificate of Compliance.

The cost of the permit (and therefore the inspection) varies based on the scope of work. A simple dedicated circuit permit will cost less than a full panel upgrade permit. In practice, most electricians include permit fees in their overall project quote, so you won't typically see it as a separate line item — but it's always worth asking your electrician to confirm the permit is included and that they'll be pulling it before work starts.

What You Should Know

Unpermitted electrical work is a serious problem in New Brunswick. If work is done without a TSANB permit and inspection, your home insurance can deny claims related to electrical fires, and you may face issues when selling your home. Always confirm your electrician is pulling the required permit — this is a sign of a legitimate, licensed contractor.

For specific permit fee information, you can contact TSANB directly at 1-800-999-0813 or visit tsanb.ca. They can give you exact figures for your type of project.

If you need help finding a licensed, TSANB-compliant electrician in New Brunswick, New Brunswick Electrical can match you with local contractors for free — no obligation, just a connection to qualified professionals in your area.