Why is the Power Turned off in Abandoned Homes

Not all abandoned homes are without hydro! Technically, hydro companies cannot cut the power supply to a home unless it is requested by the owner. In Ontario, licensed electricity utilities are banned from disconnecting residential customers for non-payment during the winter months every year, from November 15 to April 30. Also, homes that are already disconnected for non-payment and are occupied must be reconnected by December 1 without charge.

Often, however, if the home is vacant, the owner will shut off all power and water to the home to protect if from accidental flooding or fire, as well as to save on the expense of running power to an empty home.

It can be pricey and time consuming to have a cut power supply reconnected to a vacant home. The process involves communicating with the hydro supplier (usually Hydro One) as well as having a thorough ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) inspection to make sure everything is up to code. In the case of most abandoned buildings there will be some things that need to be upgraded, replaced or repaired prior to having the power restored.