What does it cost to run electricity to a detached garage in Ottawa?

Running electricity to a detached garage in Ottawa typically costs $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the distance, electrical requirements, and whether trenching is needed. This includes the ESA permit, materials, labor, and inspection.

The cost breakdown varies significantly based on your specific situation. Distance is the biggest factor - a garage 30 feet from your house will cost much less than one 150 feet away. You'll also need to consider the electrical load you want in the garage. A basic 20-amp circuit for lights and a few outlets runs much less than a 60-amp subpanel that can handle welders, EV charging, or multiple power tools.

Underground installation is the most common and code-compliant method in Ottawa. This involves trenching from your main panel to the garage, installing appropriate conduit and wiring rated for direct burial or conduit use. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires specific burial depths - typically 18 inches for residential installations, though this can vary based on the wire type and protection used. If your property has landscaping, concrete, or other obstacles between the house and garage, trenching costs increase significantly.

Overhead installation might be possible in some situations and can reduce costs, but ESA has strict requirements for clearances over driveways, walkways, and property lines. Many Ottawa properties don't have the proper clearances for overhead runs, making underground the only viable option.

The electrical service size you choose affects both material and permit costs. A simple 20-amp circuit might only require basic wiring and a small subpanel, while a 60-amp or 100-amp service requires heavier gauge wire, larger conduit, and a more substantial subpanel. Most homeowners find that installing more capacity upfront is cost-effective, even if they don't need it immediately.

ESA permits and inspections are mandatory for this work and typically cost $150-300 depending on the scope. The work must be completed by a licensed electrician, and ESA will inspect both the connection at your main panel and the installation in the garage. This ensures everything meets the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and is safe for long-term use.

Additional considerations that affect cost include whether your main panel has available breaker spaces and sufficient capacity. If your panel is full or undersized, you might need a panel upgrade first, adding $2,000-3,500 to the project. The garage also needs proper grounding and bonding, which might require additional ground rods depending on the installation.

For a typical Ottawa detached garage 50-75 feet from the house with a 30-40 amp subpanel, expect to invest $3,500-4,500. This provides enough power for lighting, outlets, garage door opener, and some power tools while meeting all ESA requirements.

Want to discuss your specific garage electrical needs? Electrical Ottawa offers free consultations to assess your property and provide accurate pricing based on your exact requirements and local conditions.

---

Find a Licensed Electrician

Electrical Ottawa connects you with vetted, ESA-licensed electricians from the Ottawa Construction Network:Ottawa Electrical Contractors:

• Mike Fuller Electric
• Ottawa Electric
• CLX Electric