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Backup power in Greater Toronto

Electricians for generators and transfer switches.

50 pros in Greater Toronto

Toronto's backup power question has a clear local history: in the December 2013 winter storm, over 300,000 Toronto Hydro customers were without power at the peak, after freezing rain, ice pellets and wind brought down trees and limbs onto power lines. For a household, that is the case for a standby generator or a plug-in option. It also comes with local rules. Toronto Hydro says any generator connection must meet the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and must not back-feed into its system, and a Service Request has to be submitted for its review and approval before a connection is installed. For a permanently wired unit, a notification of work must be filed with ESA, and a transfer device must keep generator power out of the utility system. Before you hire, ask who files the Service Request and the ESA notification, ask which transfer device is included in the quote, and ask for the paperwork once the work is done.

Source: City of Toronto (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Black Forest

    Open 24 hours a day, every day, this plumber installs generators and does panel upgrades. Family-owned since 2009, it serves Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill and Aurora, and financing is available.

    Also serves Barrie

    • Website checked

    Rated 5.0 out of 5 99 Google reviews · Nov 2026

    (416) 278-3180Website Black Forest (opens in a new tab)

  6. Electric FX Inc. – Residential Electrical, Renovation & Custom Homes, Master Electrician, Smart Homes

    Standby generators, transfer switches and home battery backup are among its jobs. Founded in 2017, it serves Toronto, Markham, Mississauga and Richmond Hill, with emergency service offered.

    • Website checked

    Rated 5.0 out of 5 29 Google reviews · Nov 2026

    (437) 292-4970Website Electric FX Inc. – Residential Electrical, Renovation & Custom Homes, Master Electrician, Smart Homes (opens in a new tab)
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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

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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 Greater Toronto

Do I need approval from Toronto Hydro before a generator is connected?

Yes. Toronto Hydro says a Service Request must be submitted for its review and approval before any generator connection is installed. The connection must also meet Ontario Electrical Safety Code criteria and must not back-feed into its system. Ask your installer who submits the request and when. Toronto Hydro (source, opens in a new tab)

What has to be filed to wire a standby generator permanently into my home?

A notification of work must be filed with ESA to connect a generator permanently to a home's electrical system. The unit also needs a transfer device that keeps generator power from flowing back into the utility system. Ask the installer to confirm who files and to give you copies. Electrical Safety Authority (Ontario) (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a generator installation quote include?

A quote should name the generator and the transfer device, describe the wiring and the fuel connection, and state who handles permits and utility paperwork. It should list what is excluded, the schedule, and the warranty terms. Get the same details from each contractor so you can compare quotes fairly.

Is there a simpler option than a permanently wired generator?

Toronto Hydro has approved meter base plug-in transfer devices. The device connects directly to the smart meter and has a plug for a generator. Ask an installer whether this suits your home and what approval or paperwork still applies before you commit to it. Toronto Hydro (via Newswire) (source, opens in a new tab)

Other jobs and cities

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