Preamble

The laws of physics for electrical engineering require that electrons flowing from a substation transformer return there to complete the circuit. This is normally accomplished by the use of neutral wires provided by an electrical distribution or transmission system. However, if those wires provide more than one neutral path for the electrical current to use to complete the circuit, the current will use the earth’s surface as the path of least resistance and, in that way, can travel through yards, buildings, fields, human beings and animals.

This ground current pollution is a major problem for hospitals, manufacturing plants and farms. On farms, the levels of ground current pollution can become so high that human beings and animals feel electrical shocks. These shocks disrupt the comfort of human beings and animals and can harm their health and adversely affect farm income. Adverse effects can also occur even if there are no shocks.

As we increase our use of electric power in Ontario, the potential for ground current pollution will also increase. This can result from a combination of an antiquated distribution system in some areas, inadequate neutral returns, multiple grounded neutral conductors and poor quality of electricity generated by electronic equipment.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

read more: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet&BillID=3677