ESA waives connection fees for flood affected

WEST CARLETON – The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) will waive reconnection fees for residents affected by 2019 spring flooding.

 Kanata-Carleton MPP Merrilee Fullerton made the announcement today (May 7) through a press release.

“The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) will be waiving its reconnection fees effective immediately in regard to the restoration of electrical services to houses in flood damaged areas of West Carleton,” the statement read.

 “I am pleased to hear that the ESA will be waiving any and all reconnection fees for Ontarians, including residents in Ottawa, impacted by flooding,” Fullerton said. “I have been working on this initiative since last Thursday when it was first brought to my attention by some West Carleton residents. It is encouraging to see the ESA take these steps for those currently facing extreme hardships that are beyond their control.”

Fullerton thanked the Minister of Government and Consumer Services Bill Walker, who has oversight over the ESA, and his team “for supporting our request for these fees to be waived.”

“Our government is committed to working with the dedicated staff on the ground and our partners in emergency services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents and I am pleased to see ESA join us in these efforts,” Fullerton said. “I’d thank all first responders, utilities and service providers for supporting our West Carleton communities during this difficult time.”

For more information visit the ESA website. The toll free ESA customer phone number is 1-877-372-7233.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs has initiated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians Program for the City of Ottawa, ‎which may provide financial assistance to residents affected by the flooding.

Information about the program is available at Ontario.ca/disasterassistance to help individuals, small owner-operated businesses, farms and not-for-profit organizations cover emergency expenses and repair or replace essential property following a natural disaster.