Committees

Power & Utility Sector

The Power & Utility Sector committee is responsible for representing the interests of the outside contractors in all matters including labour relations with the IBEW, regulatory affairs at the Ontario Energy Board, and manpower training and safety.

Contractor Licensing

Electrical contractor licensing has affected the line contractors where there is an overlap of their work jurisdictions. The original regulation did not take this into account and as a result left line contractors without an avenue to become licensed. To resolve the problem, ECAO requested ECRA of ESA to grant provisional licenses to line contractors in these circumstances and to develop a licensing program specific to line contractors prior to the expiry of the provisional licenses.

Collective Bargaining

Through the Provincial Joint Line Committee, the ETBA negotiates new terms and conditions applicable to the Section 17 and the Linework Agreement for Work Outside the ICI Sector. Some items that are unique to this sector include special room, board and travel conditions and a new tuition fund for apprentices attending trade school.

Inside/Outside Jurisdiction

The PJLC has made the commitment to resolve the ongoing jurisdiction issues between inside wiremen and powerline technicians. This commitment was formalized in 2007 negotiations with the adoption of a process for resolving current and future disputes which involves adjudication by the IBEW International Vice President.

Provincial Advisory Committee & Trades Training

Industry representatives continue to lobby the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities through the PAC to make the trade of Powerline Technician (434A) a compulsory trade. Compulsory certification will attract and retain more apprentices into the trade.

Another means of manpower development has been for the PJLC to develop a marketing/partnership package aimed at groups such as LDCs including Hydro One and large ICI end users to name a few. It is planned that promotion of ECAO/IBEW Line Contractors in the form of a partnering proposal will encourage outsourcing of more work. By encouraging contracting out, contractors will be able to train more workers to staff the contractor and utility industry.

Power Line Technician Diploma Program - Cambrian College

Cambrian College in partnership with IHSA is delivering a college-administered course for a Power Line Technician Diploma Program. This program will have the capacity to train 24 students per semester.  IHSA is participating in this program by delivering the vestibule training for 1st and 2nd semester line training. ECAO is on the management board of the program.

Regulatory Affairs

The ECAO has been active at the Ontario Energy Board and the Ministry of Energy ensuring that utilities abide by the various codes such as the affiliate relationships code (ARC). These codes are supposed to enforce fair competition but are frequently under attack or are skirted by many utilities.

Utilities Tendering Guide