Braced
Menu

Backup power in Buffalo

Electricians for generators and transfer switches.

15 pros in Buffalo

Buffalo's backup power question starts with its weather. The National Weather Service puts the 1991–2020 normal annual snowfall at 95.4 inches, and the October 2006 lake effect storm, with upwards of two feet of heavy, wet snow, directly affected nearly one million people. That is the kind of event a standby generator and transfer switch are bought for. Before you hire, know that the City of Buffalo says a building permit is always required for work on a building, with listed exemptions such as like-for-like equipment replacement that doesn't change its listing or original specifications. A new installation or a change to a building system is a different matter, so ask the installer whether a permit applies and who will apply for it. Permitted work must stay exposed until the city inspects it, and the permit holder must notify Code Enforcement when it is ready. Ask for the permit and inspection steps in writing before work begins.

Source: National Weather Service Buffalo, NOAA (source, opens in a new tab)

Not yet verified. We checked that each one’s own website offers this work, but we haven’t contacted them yet. How a business gets listed

Know a good one we’re missing? Suggest one

What to know in Buffalo

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 Buffalo

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

The City of Buffalo says a building permit is always required for work on a building, except for listed exemptions. Replacing equipment without altering its listing or original specifications is one exemption. A new installation or a change to a building system is not that, so ask the city or your installer. City of Buffalo (source, opens in a new tab)

What happens after the permit is issued in Buffalo?

The permit expires in one year and becomes invalid unless the authorized work starts within six months. The work must stay accessible and exposed until the city inspects it, and the permit holder must notify Code Enforcement when it is ready. Ask who will do that. City of Buffalo (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a generator quote or contract include?

Ask for the generator model, the transfer switch type, which circuits or whole-house loads it covers, who pulls permits, and the scope of electrical and fuel connections. It should also state the warranty terms, the start date, and the steps after installation. Compare quotes line by line, not by total alone.

Why do Buffalo homeowners think about backup power?

Heavy snow is part of the reason. In October 2006 a lake effect storm brought upwards of two feet of heavy, wet snow to Buffalo and the surrounding area, and nearly one million people were directly impacted, according to the National Weather Service. National Weather Service Buffalo, NOAA (source, opens in a new tab)

Other jobs and cities

Other jobs in Buffalo

Backup power in other cities