What Is the Cost to Run Power to a Shed in Ontario?

What Is the Cost to Run Power to a Shed in Ontario?

Running electricity to a detached shed, workshop, or outbuilding is one of the most common electrical projects homeowners request — and one of the most variable in cost. The price depends on the distance from the house, how the wiring runs, what you plan to power in the shed, and whether a subpanel is needed. Here is what to expect when planning a shed power installation in Ontario.

Why There Is No Fixed Price for Running Power to a Shed

Unlike a single outlet or a thermostat swap, shed power installations are highly site-specific. Every property is different — the distance between the house and shed, the terrain, the existing panel capacity, and the planned use of the shed all affect the scope and cost of the work.

Factors That Affect the Cost

Distance from the House to the Shed

Longer runs require more wire and more labour. A shed 10 metres from the house is a different project from one 50 metres away at the back of a large lot. Every additional metre of wire — especially underground — adds material and labour cost.

Underground vs. Overhead Wiring

In Ontario, the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) permits both overhead and underground wiring to a detached structure, subject to specific requirements for each method:

• Underground — requires burial at the code-specified depth (typically 600mm for direct-burial cable or 450mm in conduit, depending on the cable type and location). Trenching cost depends on the distance, soil conditions, and whether the trench crosses a driveway or landscaped areas.
• Overhead — requires the correct conductor type and minimum clearance heights above grade, driveways, and buildings. Less expensive on short runs but not always practical or permitted depending on the property layout.

Main Panel Capacity

Running a circuit or feeder to the shed requires a spare breaker slot and sufficient capacity in the main panel. If the panel is full or at capacity, a panel upgrade or subpanel may be needed before the shed circuit can be added — quoted separately.

What You Plan to Power in the Shed

A single lighting circuit is simpler and less costly than a workshop with 240V tools, an EV charger, or a heated space. For sheds with multiple circuits or heavy loads, a subpanel inside the shed is typically the most practical approach — allowing you to run one feeder from the house and distribute multiple circuits locally at the shed.

Does Running Power to a Shed Require an ESA Permit in Ontario?

Yes. Any new wiring from the house to a detached structure is regulated work under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and requires an ESA permit. The Electrical Safety Authority will inspect the wiring — including burial depth for underground runs — before the work is considered complete.

Only a licensed electrical contractor can pull the ESA permit and legally perform this work in Ontario.

Get a Quote to Run Power to Your Shed

EZSMART runs power to detached garages, workshops, and sheds across Ontario. We assess the distance, routing options, panel capacity, and your planned shed load to provide a complete price — including the ESA permit and inspection.

Contact us today to schedule a site assessment and quote for your shed power project.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp