Submit Electrical Claim

Electrical Claims

We are committed to providing you with dependable power. Every year, we invest millions of dollars in efforts to strengthen over tens of thousands of kilometers of distribution and transmission power lines throughout the province. However, there are times when we do experience outages due to adverse weather conditions or failure beyond our control.

If damages are caused by weather related outages, wildlife, a motor vehicle accident, or other causes beyond our control, NS Power is not liable. If damages are related to negligence by us, you may be reimbursed for your loss.

file a claim within MyAccount

 

Claims Process

1. Complete Claim Request Form

In the form, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Contact information
  • Description of damage
  • Documentation of damage (photos or video)
  • Receipts if replaced/repaired
  • Date the damage occurred

2. Nova Scotia Power Investigation

A customer care representative will contact you within 4 to 7 business days. In more complex cases, the investigation can take up to 30 days. The investigator may contact you directly to ask for additional information. Please do not throw out the damaged items.

3. Claim Accepted

If your claim is accepted, NS Power will pay the depreciated value of the item(s) that are not repairable. You will receive compensation based on documentation and an evaluation by a NS Power assessor.

4. Claim Rejected

Please contact your insurance provider to see if the damage is covered under your existing plans.

FAQS

What work is exempt from permits and inspections?

Electrical permit exemptions

An electrical permit isn’t needed for the following categories of installations, as long as the work is performed by a construction electrician who maintains a record of the work completed for inspection:

  • The replacement or repair of wiring devices or electrical equipment with an electrical rating no greater than 30 A, 120 V to ground or 50 A, 240 V and that are not in a location referred to in Sections 18 and 20 of the Code;
  • The installation of one 15 A to 30 A, 120 V branch circuit or one 15 A to 50 A, 240 V branch circuit that is not in a location referred to in Section 18 and 20 of the Code;
  • The replacement of light fixtures in a dwelling unit;
  • The replacement of motors; and
  • Wiring supplied from an approved class II transformer in a single dwelling, provided it is not part of a lighting installation.

Communications cabling permit exemptions

A communications permit is not required for the following communications systems installations, as long as the work is performed by a communications cabling specialist who maintains a record of the work completed for inspection:

  • An installation that does not exceed 6 cabling drops and is not in a location referred to in Sections 18 and 20 of the Code; and
  • A relocation of 20 communication outlets, where the installation does not involve any new cable runs or penetrate any existing fire wall and the relocation meets all current Code requirements.

General permit exemptions

The following types of installations are exempt from the permit requirements of these regulations:

  • Communications and cable TV installations in a single dwelling as defined by the Code;
  • Security and intrusion alarm systems; and
  • Installation of signs and outline lighting where the work is completed according to Section 34 of the Code by a certified electrical sign manufacturer acceptable to the Chief Inspector

Who can perform electrical and communications installations?

Electrical installations must be performed by someone who holds a certificate of qualification in the Electrical Construction trade issued by the Department of Labour and Advanced Education. Communication wiring installations must be completed by a holder of a certificate as a Communications Cabling Specialist as issued by Department of Labour and Advanced Education. 

Who can obtain an electrical or communications wiring permit and how?

Only a person who holds a valid Nova Scotia certificate in the Electrical Construction trade or a Certified Communications Cabling Specialist can obtain an electrical or communications wiring permit.

For additional information regarding certification for Construction Electricians please contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, toll free within Nova Scotia, at 1-800-494-5651.

For additional information regarding certification of Communications Cabling Specialists, please contact the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education at 902-424-8018.

What if I am connecting service to a location that has not had electricity in more than a year?

We require a general inspection permit for those premises where electrical service has been disconnected for a period greater than one year. Please contact a qualified electrician. Your electrician will arrange for an inspection through us as required under the Electrical Installation and Inspection Act.

Does electrical equipment need to be approved? If so, by whom?

In accordance with the Electrical Code Regulations Section 15(1), no corporation, company, or person shall sell, have for sale, display, rent, lease, advertise, install or use any electrical device, appliance or equipment unless it is certified as approved equipment, as defined in the Code, by a certification organization acceptable to the Department of Labour's Chief Electrical Inspector. 

Only equipment bearing one of the marks or labels shown in “Electrical Inspection Bulletin B-2-024.1”, Department of Labour and Advanced Education Electrical Bulletin "Approval of Electrical Equipment” or an equivalent marking approved by the Department of Labour and Advanced Education are acceptable for use in Nova Scotia.

What is involved in an electrical inspection and why perform them?

An electrical contractor may contact the Nova Scotia Power Wiring Permit Centre at 1-800-464-1520 to schedule a wiring inspection. The Nova Scotia Power wiring inspector will visit the site and perform an electrical inspection. Inspections are required prior to any wiring being concealed with backfill, lathing, boarding, insulation or other covering materials. This inspection is referred to as a rough-in inspection.

Upon the completion of the wiring, the contractor will arrange for a final inspection. A final inspection may include but not limited to an inspection of electrical devices, lighting, and labeling of electrical panels and equipment.

Wiring inspectors will inspect the electrical installation to ensure the installation conforms to applicable standards, Regulations and the latest edition of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1. These standards ensure the electrical installation is safe from fire and shock hazards.

Does NS Power provide secondary protection for the homeowner's equipment?

You should speak with a certified electrician about installing secondary protection on your panel. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to have adequate protection for equipment to prevent power irregularities.

Should I repair/replace my damaged property while I wait for the claim to be processed?

While your application is being processed, please take the required steps at your cost to cover your necessities until your claim is resolved. You should know that many household insurance companies will consider these types of claims. You may wish to follow up directly with your insurer to explore this option.

The investigation may include viewing the damaged equipment; therefore it would be a helpful to not discard your damaged items so we can assess them.

 

Who is responsible for repairs to a damaged meter mast, meter base, service duct and electrical panel?

Damage to this equipment is the responsibility of the homeowner. Repairs must be made by a certified electrician prior to power being restored to the home. We will repair damage to our equipment, including electrical meter and service wire.

How long will it take?

Due to the complexity of electrical damage claims, we may take up to 30 days to complete an investigation.

What types of claims will not be reimbursed?

If damages are caused by weather related outages, wildlife, a motor vehicle accident, or other causes beyond our control, claims will not be reimbursed.

How will my electrical claim be handled?

 

Every customer application relating to electrical damages to personal property is reviewed on an individual bases.
We consider a number of factors to determine if damage to personal property is the result of wrong doing on our part.

Our investigation may include speaking with the line crews on-site at the time of the incident, ensuring that the property was maintained and representing the proper electrical application. Should we encounter unexpected delays during the investigation a claims administrator will follow-up with you to discuss your claim in more detail.

Once a decision has been reached, you will be notified of the outcome. If your claim is accepted, NS Power will reimburse you for the cost of repair. Where repair is not possible, we will provide reimbursement based on the actual cash value, which considers depreciation.

 

How do I make an electrical claim?

To learn more about the process of making an electrical claim, and to complete an online application, click here. You may also call our Customer Care Centre at 1-800-428-6230 to talk to a customer service representative regarding a claim.

When you proceed with a claim you will be required to provide repair quotes and receipts with your application. You may also need to provide the damaged equipment for inspection. We recommend you keep a copy of your application and supporting documents for your records in the event we need to discuss them with you.

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