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Backup power in Portland

Electricians for generators and transfer switches.

18 pros in Portland

Portland's case for backup power rests on its history with ice. In January 1998, CMP reported about 12,000 customers without power in the Portland area, and Windham, Cumberland and Gorham were among the towns that took the worst of it. CMP also called it the largest outage the utility had ever had, and a state of emergency was declared. If you live in one of those towns, a standby generator and transfer switch is a reasonable thing to plan for. When you hire, remember that Maine requires a permit before electrical equipment is installed or altered. The permit comes from the Electricians' Examining Board, or from a town or city with its own electrical inspector. There are exceptions, such as minor repair work and installations covered by a municipal permit ordinance. Before you sign, ask who will pull the permit, whether your town has its own inspector, and whether the transfer switch is part of the quote. Ask for the permit and inspection details in writing.

Source: Portland Press Herald (source, opens in a new tab)

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What to know in Portland

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 Portland

Do I need a permit to install a standby generator in Maine?

Generally yes. Maine requires a permit before electrical equipment is installed or altered, issued by the Electricians' Examining Board or by a town or city with its own electrical inspector. Exceptions exist, including minor repair work and some municipal permit ordinances. Ask your installer which permit applies and who will obtain it. Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a generator quote include?

A written quote should name the generator model, the transfer switch, the wiring and fuel connection work, and the permit and inspection steps. It should say who handles each part, what is excluded, and what warranty applies. Get the same scope from each business so you can compare quotes fairly.

Why do Windham and Gorham homeowners think about backup power?

In the January 1998 ice storm, CMP reported about 12,000 customers without power in the Portland area. Windham, Buxton, Cumberland, Gray, Falmouth and Gorham bore the brunt. That history is why many people in these towns look at standby generators and transfer switches before the next storm. Portland Press Herald (source, opens in a new tab)

How do I compare quotes from different generator installers?

Compare like with like: generator size, transfer switch type, which circuits it will power, who pulls the permit, and what service or maintenance is offered. Ask each business about its electrical licence and insurance. A quote that leaves out the permit or the transfer switch is not complete.

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