Electrical work in Saskatchewan homes: TSASK homeowner permits and what they do not cover

Older guides still say to call SaskPower for an electrical permit. Electrical inspections have moved to the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan, and its homeowner permit has specific limits. The renovation jobs most likely to fall outside them are the newer ones: EV chargers, solar and generators.

Who issues permits now

Electrical permits and inspections in Saskatchewan are handled by TSASK, which took them over from SaskPower. Its permit page offers two kinds: a Home/Farm Owner Electrical Wiring Permit and a Contractor Electrical Permit. Homeowners can request a copy of any permit for work on their property; if a contractor refuses to provide one, TSASK asks you to call 1-866-530-8599.

Which homes qualify

The home/farm owner permit is for a single-family dwelling, which TSASK defines as a residential structure exclusively for occupancy by one family. Condominiums, duplexes and townhouses that share walls with another dwelling do not qualify. Complete wiring of a home under this permit covers branch circuit wiring throughout the home and an attached or detached garage, plus a subpanel if required.

Family members who do the work

TSASK allows immediate family members, including parents, in-laws, spouses, siblings, children and grandparents, to perform work under your homeowner permit, but they must hold a Saskatchewan Electrical Journeyperson licence. Red Seal or other provincial licences are not accepted on their own, and you will need to give the family member's licence number.

What the homeowner permit does not cover

Solar installations, EV chargers and backup generator systems cannot be done under a homeowner permit; a licensed Saskatchewan electrical contractor must do them under a contractor's permit. Electrical service work, hot tubs, swimming pools and Generlink work are allowed only if you are a licensed Saskatchewan electrical journeyperson, or your immediate family member is and does the work. TSASK also notes that a contractor needs a contractor's licence as well as a bond; a bond alone does not allow someone to pull permits.

The rough-in inspection

TSASK describes the rough-in inspection as an inspection of wiring before walls are finished, such as before drywall is installed. Book it before the insulation and drywall crews arrive; if the wiring is covered before inspection, it may have to be exposed again. Keep the permit and inspection record, and for any contractor work, ask for a copy of the contractor's permit.

Prevention Checklist

• Apply to TSASK, not SaskPower, for electrical permits.
• Check the home is a single-family dwelling that does not share walls.
• If a family member does the work, have their Saskatchewan journeyperson licence number ready.
• Hire a licensed electrical contractor for EV chargers, solar and backup generators.
• Book the rough-in inspection before drywall.
• Ask contractors for a copy of their permit; call TSASK if they refuse.

References

1. Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan. Home/Farm Owner Electrical Wiring Permit, Web page, Eligibility, dwelling type, family members, exclusions, rough-in, permit copies. Accessed 2026-11-03.

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