"Just got a hot tub delivered and needed the electrical run to it. Mark and crew came out and installed a 50-amp GFCI breaker and ran conduit along the side of the house to a disconnect near the tub. Looked way cleaner than I expected. Passed inspection and we were soaking that weekend."
"Had Gridwise install a transfer switch and inlet box for our portable generator. We lose power a few times a year during wind events and got tired of running extension cords everywhere. Michael handled the install and walked us through exactly how to connect and start the generator when the power goes out. He was patient with all my questions. Permit was pulled and inspection passed first try."
"I had 2 ceiling fan/lights installed in the bedrooms. Installation included 2 new circular circuit boxes in each bedroom ceiling. In addition, I replaced the kitchen ceiling light with an LED fixture. The 2 workers were very polite and professional and worked quickly and efficiently, in addition to being respectful of my personal belongings."
"We needed to install an EV charger receptacle quite far from the electrical panel. Chris suggested leading individual wires through a conduit instead of simply using Romex, saying that heat characteristics are better. He also wanted to know what EV charger we were getting and asked for documentation. We also discussed other aspects of the work. His genuine interest and attention to detail made us choose him. At the end, we were impressed with the quality of the work he delivered and how easy it was to communicate with him. He charged about the average price for this work but delivered more than many other electricians would do."
"Edgar is very detailed, respectful, professional with very good customer service! He showed up on time and completed the electric panel change sooner than expected! I have already referred him to my cross the street neighbor, Diane. Hopefully she will reach out soon for an estimate to change out her electrical panel too. Thank you ð ð"
"Reliable Service and Excellent Customer Care
I’ve been really impressed with this electric company from day one. The service is consistent, my power has been reliable, and I’ve noticed real savings on my monthly bills compared to my previous provider. Whenever I’ve had a question, their customer support team has been friendly, responsive, and genuinely helpful — no long hold times or confusing answers.
I also appreciate their focus on clean energy and efficiency — it feels good knowing I’m supporting a company that actually cares about the community and the environment. Overall, top-notch experience. Highly recommend to anyone looking for dependable and affordable electric service."
Yes, in most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home models. Because these installations involve significant alterations to your home's electrical system and produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require a permit or inspection for safety purposes. A generator permit typically costs between $50 and $250, depending on your location. Your electrician or certified installer can usually handle the permitting process for you, but you will be responsible for the cost. It's a good practice to confirm with your installer that they will pull all necessary permits before work begins.
Whole-house generators can run continuously for extended periods, even for weeks at a time (around 400 to 500 hours), as long as they have a sufficient fuel supply. However, this type of extensive use will increase wear and tear and can shorten the generator's overall lifespan. During long periods of operation, it's important to check and refill the engine oil as needed, potentially as frequently as daily depending on the model. If your generator uses a fuel tank, ensure it is kept full to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
Generators are safe to use as long as they are installed and operated correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The most critical safety tips are to never use a portable or fuel-powered generator inside an enclosed space due to the risk of lethal carbon monoxide poisoning; always operate it outdoors where fumes can dissipate away from your home. Additionally, never attempt to connect a generator to your home’s electrical panel yourself—hire a professional to ensure the setup meets safety standards. Finally, avoid overloading the generator by not connecting more appliances than it is rated for, as this can damage your equipment or cause a fire.
You may need a permit for a portable generator if you’ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.
No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.
The Belvedere, CA homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to install a whole-house generator in San Francisco, CA varies based on factors like generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. Learn the typical price range and what influences your total cost.
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
Thinking about a generator installation? Learn about backup power options, costs to expect, and how to hire the right local pro to keep your home running.
