Licensed Electrician in Peterborough, Ontario | Electric Al's Home Solutions
Serving Peterborough's diverse neighborhoods with professional residential and commercial electrical services. From historic downtown properties to modern suburban developments, from student rentals near Trent University to lakeside cottages in the Kawarthas, I bring reliable, code-compliant electrical solutions to Canada's Electric City.
ESA Licensed Electrical Contractor #7018646 | Serving Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes & Northumberland County from Warkworth
Your Peterborough Area Electrician
Peterborough represents my largest service market at 83,651 residents. I'm based 50 minutes south in Warkworth via Highway 28, bringing licensed electrical expertise without big-city overhead. The city's aging housing stock creates consistent demand for electrical upgrades. One-third of Peterborough's homes were built before the 1960s, meaning they contain outdated wiring, undersized panels, and electrical systems never designed for modern loads.
The city earned its "Electric City" nickname from pioneering history with electric power, but that history also means many homes still need major electrical work to meet today's demands. The Avenues Neighbourhood Heritage Conservation District alone contains 348 protected properties designated in 2016. Across Peterborough, 795 heritage properties require specialized electrical work that respects architectural character while meeting current Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
The March 2025 ice storm devastated Peterborough's electrical infrastructure. Over 20mm of ice accumulation destroyed power lines and caused over $11 million in city cleanup costs alone. Sixty-three thousand Hydro One customers lost power, some for over a week. The city's mature tree canopy, while beautiful, created cascading failures as ice-weighted branches broke over 1,900 poles region-wide. That event triggered a surge in generator installation requests and exposed how vulnerable overhead distribution remains in older neighborhoods.
Flooding presents another critical challenge. The catastrophic July 2004 flood dropped 240mm of rainfall in 24 hours, destroying basements throughout downtown and leading to permanent building code changes. Properties along the Otonabee River, Little Lake, and Jackson Creek corridor now require elevated electrical panels, enhanced waterproofing, and robust sump pump backup systems. April 2019 flooding combined with power outages created what city emergency management described as "even more complex issues for flood-affected populations currently without electrical power."
Why Choose Electric Al for Peterborough Electrical Services?
Peterborough Utilities Knowledge
Unlike most of my service area served by Hydro One, Peterborough has its own municipal utility. I understand Peterborough Utilities' specific requirements for service upgrades, metering, and connections.
Diverse Housing Expertise
From heritage homes downtown to student housing near universities, from suburban developments to rural properties, I have experience with Peterborough's full range of residential electrical needs.
Commercial Experience
Serving Peterborough businesses with electrical installations, upgrades, and maintenance for retail, office, hospitality, and light industrial properties throughout the city.
ESA Licensed & Insured
Licensed Electrical Contractor #7018646. All work meets Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements with proper permitting and ESA inspections.
Competitive Pricing
Small-business efficiency means competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. Detailed written estimates with transparent, straightforward pricing.
Responsive Service
When you call, you talk to me directly—not a dispatcher or call center. Quick response times and clear communication throughout your project.
Electrical Services for Peterborough Homes & Businesses
Residential Electrical Panel Upgrades
Many Peterborough homes, particularly those built before 1980, have undersized electrical panels (60-100 amps) that can't support modern electrical demands. Adding air conditioning, electric heating, modern appliances, or an EV charger often requires upgrading to a 200-amp panel. I handle complete panel replacements including coordination with Peterborough Utilities for any required service upgrades, ESA permitting and inspection, and proper grounding and bonding. This is especially common in the Avenues neighborhoods (Aylmer, Brock, Charlotte, etc.), East City, and older Westend homes.
Heritage Home & Century Home Electrical Updates
Downtown Peterborough and surrounding historic neighborhoods feature beautiful heritage homes that often still contain knob-and-tube wiring or outdated electrical systems. I specialize in updating these electrical systems while preserving architectural character—working sensitively with plaster walls, maintaining period details, and installing modern, safe wiring with minimal disruption. Whether you're on Hunter Street, George Street, or in one of the heritage neighborhoods, I understand how to modernize electrical systems while respecting your home's history.
EV Charger Installation for Peterborough Homes
Electric vehicle adoption is growing rapidly in Peterborough, and home charging is essential for EV ownership. I install Level 2 EV chargers throughout the city—from garage installations in suburban homes to outdoor chargers in downtown properties without garages. Services include load calculations to ensure adequate panel capacity, dedicated 240V circuit installation with proper amperage, charger mounting (indoor or outdoor, all weather conditions), support for all major brands (Tesla, Ford, GM, ChargePoint, Grizzl-E, etc.), and complete ESA permitting and inspection. Many Peterborough homes need panel upgrades before EV charger installation, and I can handle both projects efficiently.
Student Rental Property Electrical Services
Peterborough's proximity to Trent University and Fleming College means significant student rental housing stock. These properties have specific electrical needs: ensuring code-compliant electrical systems for tenant safety, adding dedicated circuits for multiple computers and devices, improving lighting and outlet availability, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector installation and maintenance, addressing wear-and-tear electrical issues from frequent tenant turnover, and ensuring landlord compliance with Ontario rental property electrical standards. I work with property owners and managers throughout the student housing areas near Trent, Fleming, and downtown.
Backup Generator Installation
Winter storms, summer severe weather, and occasional utility issues can cause power outages in Peterborough. Backup generators provide peace of mind and continuous power for essential systems. I install and service standby generators from Generac, Kohler, and other leading manufacturers including automatic transfer switches for seamless operation, natural gas or propane fuel connections, whole-home or essential circuits coverage, and regular maintenance to ensure reliability. Generators are popular among Peterborough homeowners who work from home, have medical equipment, or want protection against extended outages.
Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations
Renovating your Peterborough home's kitchen or bathroom? I provide all electrical services: new lighting including pot lights, under-cabinet lighting, and statement fixtures; GFCI outlets for code compliance near sinks and water sources; dedicated appliance circuits for ranges, microwaves, dishwashers, and garbage disposals; exhaust fan and range hood wiring; heated floor controls and electrical; and smart home features like programmable switches and voice control integration. From modest updates in starter homes to luxury kitchen renovations in upscale neighborhoods, I ensure code-compliant, functional electrical work.
Outdoor & Landscape Electrical
Peterborough's beautiful seasons deserve to be enjoyed outdoors. I provide exterior electrical services including landscape and garden lighting for safety and aesthetics, deck and patio lighting and outlets, pool and hot tub electrical with proper GFCI protection, outdoor kitchen and barbecue area power, security lighting and motion sensors, and holiday lighting permanent outlet installations. Whether you're on the waterfront, in a suburban neighborhood, or enjoying a rural property, outdoor electrical enhances your property's usability and value.
Commercial Electrical Services
Peterborough's diverse business community requires reliable electrical contractors. I serve commercial clients with new construction and tenant fit-ups for retail, office, and hospitality, commercial lighting design and installation including LED upgrades, electrical system maintenance and preventive service, emergency lighting and exit sign installation/maintenance, security and surveillance system electrical, sign installation and service, and three-phase power installations. From downtown businesses to Charlotte Street commercial properties to the industrial areas, I understand commercial electrical needs.
Smart Home & Home Automation
Modern Peterborough homeowners want connected, efficient homes. I provide electrical infrastructure for smart home systems: smart switch and dimmer installation compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit; smart thermostat wiring and installation; doorbell camera and security camera electrical; whole-home audio/video system wiring; and network wiring and electrical for home automation hubs. Whether you're building new or retrofitting an existing home, I can create the electrical foundation for your smart home.
Electrical Troubleshooting & Repairs
Electrical problems require prompt professional attention. I diagnose and repair frequent breaker tripping and electrical overloads, flickering or dimming lights, outlets that don't work or feel warm, burning smells or visible sparking, GFCI and AFCI circuit issues, and aluminum wiring concerns common in 1960s-70s homes. Fast diagnosis, clear explanation of the issue, and efficient repairs minimize disruption to your Peterborough home or business.
Common Electrical Issues in Peterborough Homes
Peterborough's diverse housing stock—from century homes downtown to 1960s-70s developments to modern construction—presents predictable electrical challenges:
Undersized Electrical Panels
The majority of Peterborough homes built before 1980 have 60-amp or 100-amp panels. These are inadequate for modern life—air conditioning, electric vehicle charging, modern kitchens with multiple appliances, and electric heating all exceed these panels' capacity. Panel upgrades to 200 amps are one of the most common electrical projects throughout Peterborough, especially in the Avenues neighborhoods, East City, and older Westend properties.
Knob-and-Tube Wiring in Heritage Homes
Many downtown Peterborough homes and older properties throughout the city still contain original knob-and-tube wiring from the early 1900s. This ungrounded, outdated system can't safely support modern electrical loads, poses fire risks (especially when covered by insulation), and often prevents homeowners from obtaining insurance. Complete rewiring or selective replacement is necessary when renovating these beautiful heritage properties.
Aluminum Wiring in 1960s-70s Homes
Peterborough's mid-century building boom left many homes with aluminum wiring. Installed during the 1965-1975 copper shortage, aluminum wiring affects an estimated 55% of homes built during that era. The problem isn't the wire itself but connection points where thermal expansion and contraction loosen terminations. Oxidation increases resistance, creating heat and fire hazards. ESA recommends certified electrician inspections every 3 to 5 years for homes with aluminum wiring. Many insurers refuse coverage entirely without complete remediation or replacement. I offer two approaches: complete replacement with copper wiring ($7,000-$15,000 for typical homes) or pigtailing with copper connections at all devices using special connectors ($2,000-$4,000). Devices must be CO/ALR rated. Many Peterborough homeowners choose complete replacement for long-term peace of mind and improved resale value.
Student Rental Property Overloading
Student rentals near Trent and Fleming often experience electrical overload from multiple computers, gaming systems, space heaters, and appliances running simultaneously. Frequent breaker trips, overheated outlets, and inadequate electrical capacity are common. Upgrading panels, adding dedicated circuits, and ensuring proper electrical capacity protects both students and property owners.
DIY Electrical Work and Code Violations
Many Peterborough homes, especially older properties and student rentals, have accumulated years or decades of amateur electrical work—improper wiring, missing permits, code violations, and safety hazards. When I work on older homes, I frequently discover unsafe DIY modifications that need correction. If you're purchasing a Peterborough home, particularly an older property, a professional electrical inspection is highly recommended.
Inadequate Electrical for Modern Demands
Even homes with adequate panel capacity often lack sufficient outlets and circuits for modern life—home offices needing dedicated circuits, kitchens with insufficient counter outlets, bathrooms lacking GFCI protection, and garages without proper lighting or power for tools and EV charging. Upgrading electrical systems to meet contemporary needs is common throughout Peterborough neighborhoods.
Ontario Electrical Safety Code Compliance in Peterborough
All electrical work in Peterborough must comply with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), and most projects require Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) permits and inspections. As ESA Licensed Electrical Contractor #7018646, I ensure every Peterborough project meets or exceeds code requirements.
Working with Peterborough Utilities
Unlike most of my service area which is served by Hydro One, Peterborough has its own municipal utility: Peterborough Utilities Inc. For electrical service upgrades requiring new or larger service from the utility, I coordinate directly with Peterborough Utilities to ensure smooth meter installations and service connections. This local utility knowledge is important—not all electricians from outside Peterborough understand Peterborough Utilities' specific procedures and requirements.
When ESA Permits Are Required
Most electrical work beyond simple repairs requires ESA permits in Peterborough:
- • Electrical panel upgrades or service changes
- • Adding new circuits or substantial circuit modifications
- • EV charger installations
- • Generator and transfer switch installations
- • Home renovations involving electrical work
- • Pool, hot tub, and sauna electrical
- • Whole-home or partial rewiring
- • Commercial electrical installations
I handle all permitting, ensure code-compliant installations, and coordinate ESA inspections. Proper permits and inspections protect you, maintain property values, satisfy insurance requirements, and ensure safety. This is especially important for landlords and rental property owners in Peterborough, who have legal obligations for electrical safety.
Rental Property Compliance
Peterborough's significant rental housing stock (student and non-student) requires landlords to maintain safe, code-compliant electrical systems. Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act and municipal bylaws require working smoke detectors, safe electrical systems, and prompt repairs. I work with many Peterborough landlords to ensure rental properties meet legal requirements and provide safe housing for tenants.
Service Area Throughout Peterborough
I provide electrical services throughout Peterborough and surrounding areas, including:
- ✓ Downtown Peterborough (George, Water, Hunter, Charlotte Streets)
- ✓ The Avenues (Aylmer, Brock, Charlotte, Downie, etc.)
- ✓ East City and Eastgate areas
- ✓ Westend Peterborough
- ✓ North End and newer subdivisions
- ✓ Trent University area and student housing
- ✓ Fleming College area
- ✓ Little Lake and Otonabee River waterfront properties
- ✓ Chemong, Kawartha Heights, and lakeside areas
- ✓ Ashburnham and South End
- ✓ Surrounding townships and rural Peterborough County
From my Warkworth base (approximately 50 minutes via Highway 28), I reach all areas of Peterborough efficiently. I schedule service calls, consultations, and projects to minimize travel time and provide timely service throughout the Peterborough region.
Peterborough Electrical Project Examples
Every Peterborough electrical project is unique. Here are examples of typical work I perform throughout the city:
Student Rental Electrical Upgrade - Trent University Area
A property owner with a six-bedroom student rental was experiencing frequent electrical issues—breakers tripping, overloaded circuits, and tenant complaints. I upgraded the 100-amp panel to 200 amps, added dedicated circuits for bedrooms and common areas, installed additional outlets throughout the house, upgraded all smoke and CO detectors to code-compliant hardwired units, and added exterior lighting for safety. The result: safer housing, happier tenants, and fewer maintenance calls.
Heritage Home Modernization - Downtown Peterborough
A beautiful 1890s home on George Street needed extensive electrical updates while maintaining its historic character. I removed all knob-and-tube wiring, installed a new 200-amp panel, added modern wiring throughout with minimal damage to original plaster, installed period-appropriate lighting fixtures, added proper grounding and GFCI protection, and coordinated ESA inspection and approval. The homeowners now have safe, modern electrical service while preserving their home's Victorian charm.
EV Charger Installation - Westend Subdivision
A Tesla Model Y owner in a newer Westend neighborhood needed home charging. I assessed the existing 200-amp panel and confirmed adequate capacity, installed a dedicated 60-amp circuit from panel to garage, mounted a Tesla Wall Connector, coordinated with Peterborough Utilities for time-of-use meter (for off-peak charging savings), and completed ESA permitting and inspection. The homeowner now charges at home overnight at the lowest electricity rates.
Commercial Office Renovation - Charlotte Street
A professional office undergoing renovation needed updated electrical for modern office equipment and lighting. I installed new LED lighting throughout with occupancy sensors for energy efficiency, added dedicated circuits for server room and IT equipment, upgraded electrical panel for increased capacity, installed network and data cabling infrastructure, and ensured all work met commercial electrical codes. The business now has efficient, reliable electrical service supporting modern operations.
Electrical Service Costs & Estimates for Peterborough
Electrical project costs vary based on scope, complexity, materials, and site-specific factors. I provide transparent, detailed written estimates before beginning work—no surprises, no hidden fees.
Typical Price Ranges for Peterborough Projects
Electrical Panel Upgrade (100A to 200A)
$2,500 - $4,500 including panel, installation, coordination with Peterborough Utilities if needed, ESA permit and inspection
EV Charger Installation
$800 - $2,000 for installation labor and materials (charger unit $500-$1,200 additional)
Backup Generator Installation
$6,000 - $12,000 including generator unit, transfer switch, installation, fuel connection coordination
Heritage Home Rewiring (Partial)
$3,000 - $8,000 depending on scope and accessibility
Complete Home Rewiring
$8,000 - $20,000+ depending on home size and complexity
Student Rental Electrical Upgrade
$2,000 - $6,000 depending on required panel upgrade, circuit additions, and outlet installations
Kitchen Electrical (Renovation)
$2,000 - $5,000 depending on appliances, lighting, and outlets
Pot Light Installation
$150 - $250 per light installed
Free consultations and estimates for all Peterborough electrical projects. Contact me to schedule an assessment. I'll evaluate your needs, discuss options, and provide a detailed written quote including materials, labor, permits, and ESA inspection fees.
Ready for Professional Electrical Service in Peterborough?
Whether you need a panel upgrade, EV charger installation, heritage home rewiring, or commercial electrical service in Peterborough, I provide licensed, code-compliant electrical solutions. Call Your Pal, Electric Al!
Contact Me
Call (905) 926-2566 or fill out the contact form below. Describe your Peterborough electrical project or issue.
Free Consultation & Estimate
I'll visit your Peterborough property to assess electrical needs, discuss solutions, and provide a detailed written estimate at no cost.
Professional Installation
Quality workmanship, proper permitting with Peterborough Utilities coordination if needed, ESA inspection, and clean, professional service throughout.
Serving Peterborough & Kawartha Lakes Region | ESA Licensed Contractor #7018646
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