Ownership Demarcation Points

A Guide to Understanding Your Electrical Supply

We don’t often think about how electricity is delivered to our home. To be prepared in case of storm damage, there are a few things that are important to know about your electrical supply, including your responsibility as the property owner. Oakville Hydro owns and maintains the electrical equipment up to a point known as the ownership demarcation point. Beyond that, the equipment is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain and repair. Oakville Hydro also owns and maintains the electrical meter connected to the home owner’s meter base.

What is an Ownership Demarcation Point?

The ownership demarcation point is where Oakville Hydro-owned and maintained equipment ends and the property owner’s equipment begins. Oakville Hydro is responsible for maintaining and repairing equipment up to this ownership demarcation point.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain and repair equipment beyond the ownership demarcation point. Oakville Hydro cannot perform work beyond the ownership demarcation point because the equipment is owned by the property owner, and subject to Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) approval. Learn more about the ESA on their website, www.esasafe.com

Where is my Demarcation Point?

The diagrams below illustrate the typical electrical supply for residential homes. Oakville Hydro owns and maintains the meters and transformers but the ownership of lines, poles and connections can vary depending on the type of service you have. Our Conditions of Service document, which can be found at this link, provides detailed information about your electrical supply. For more information, contact us at 905-825-9400 or customerservice@oakvillehydro.com 

What do I do if equipment is damaged?

If the damage is beyond the demarcation point, Oakville Hydro cannot restore power until you have had your service repaired by a licensed electrical contractor. Make sure that the electrical contractor you hire is licensed. Once the contractor has completed their work, they will arrange to have ESA inspect the site to ensure it is safe to reconnect. You can find a licensed electrician at www.esasafe.com or call 1-877-372-7233 (1-877-ESA-SAFE).

Once your repairs are completed and have been inspected, please contact us for a reconnection by telephone at 905-825-9400 or by email at customerservice@oakvillehydro.com

Demarcation diagram