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Backup power in Bridgeport

Electricians for generators and transfer switches.

21 pros in Bridgeport

Bridgeport's idea of backup power was shaped by Tropical Storm Isaias on August 4, 2020. Afterward, the state regulator PURA concluded that United Illuminating and Eversource were both ill-prepared and unresponsive in managing the outages, and it ordered both utilities to set up a process to track life support customers, who need electricity for life-maintaining conditions. For a household in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Stratford or Stamford, that history is a reason to think about standby power before the next storm rather than during it. When you hire for a standby generator or transfer switch, remember that Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection licenses individuals, not the electrical company, and that only contractors can obtain permits and sign contracts. Ask to see the licence of the person doing the electrical work, ask who will pull the permit, and get the scope in writing. Keep in mind the Department of Public Health's advice that generators should sit at least 20 feet from the home.

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Before you hire

  1. A generator wired into your home needs an approved transfer switch, fitted under a permit, so it can’t feed power back into the lines. Plan it before you buy.

    Source: bchydro.com (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Bridgeport

Who is allowed to wire a standby generator in Connecticut?

Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection says electricians must be licensed by the department to perform electrical work. It licenses individuals, not the electrical company. Ask for the licence number of the person who will do the wiring and the transfer switch, and check it before you sign anything. Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (source, opens in a new tab)

Who pulls the permit for a generator installation?

In Connecticut, only contractors can obtain permits and sign contracts, according to the Department of Consumer Protection. So the permit should be applied for by the licensed contractor, not by you or by an unlicensed helper. Ask who is responsible for the permit and for the inspection, and have that written into the contract. Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (source, opens in a new tab)

Why do Bridgeport households think about backup power after Isaias?

After Tropical Storm Isaias on August 4, 2020, PURA concluded that United Illuminating and Eversource were both ill-prepared and unresponsive in managing the outages. That is why many people in the area want their own standby power instead of relying only on how quickly the utility restores service. City of Bridgeport (source, opens in a new tab)

Where should a generator be placed at my home?

Connecticut's Department of Public Health says never to use a portable generator indoors, in a porch, or in a garage, even if the door is open. It says generators should be placed at least 20 feet from the home. Ask any installer how the placement will be handled. Connecticut Department of Public Health (source, opens in a new tab)

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