• New home wiring or service installations
• Wiring for garages, sheds, additions or basements
• Adding or relocating outlets, lights or switches
• Installing electric heating, EV chargers or hot tubs
• Upgrading breaker panels or electrical services

• Replacing light bulbs or plug-in fixtures
• Changing fuses or breakers of the same size
• Installing low-voltage systems that don't incorporate safety control, hazardous locations, electro-medical devices, lighting (e.g., home theatre, doorbells, data)

Yes. The homeowner must own and live in the home and have the knowledge and ability to complete the work safely. All work must comply with the minimum requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code.

An exception applies to the main house service, which must be completed by either:

• A licenced electrical contractor with a City of Lethbridge business licence
• A homeowner who holds an electrical journeyperson trade certificate

All work is subject to inspection.

Electrical permits can expire, so it's important to plan your project in advance to avoid delays or cancellations.

Permits expire when:

• Work has not started within 90 days of permit issuance
• Work has been suspended or abandoned for 120 days after it was started

Permits can be closed if there is no entry arranged or permitted.  Work covered by the permit must have a final inspection within 2 years (730 days).

An electrical annual maintenance permit covers minor repairs and maintenance under one permit. Only qualified individuals can request this permit:

• Electrical contractors
• Anyone who holds an electrical journeyperson trade certificate

This permit only covers general maintenance. It does not authorize major electrical upgrades, services changes or new installations. The fee for this permit is $300.00.

An electrical permit is required for all solar panel installations.

Homeowners cannot install solar panels unless they are certified electricians. Otherwise, a licenced electrical contractor must obtain the permit.

All solar micro-generation systems must be approved by City of Lethbridge - Electric Design. The property owner must include the signed Interconnection Agreement with the electrical permit application.

For more information, please review the Solar Panels page

Soffit lighting systems are often marketed as do-it-yourself kits that are safe for homeowners to install. However, there are regulations for the installation of soffit lighting systems:

• An electrical permit is required for most soffit lighting installations (some exceptions apply) 
• The major equipment (power supply/controller and luminaires) must bear evidence of Canadian approval (i.e., CSA, UL, etc.)