"The installation techs for my generator install were very polite and professional. They put a drop cloth down so they wouldn't make a mess on my floors. The generator cummings is top of the line."
"DES added several connections to the main breaker console. Responded timely to my request. Very professional and efficient. Also provided very welcome insights on the operation of the generator equipment, services and overall master system. Outstanding! Very highly recommended."
"I recently had my generator repaired and serviced, and I was very impressed with the quality of work. Johnny was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to make sure everything was running properly before he left. My generator is now running great, and I appreciate the honest, reliable service. I highly recommend him for generator repair and maintenance needs."
"Sierra did a great job. Ran new electric and installed our Govee lights. Even took the time to help us download app on phone so we can control the lights."
"the plumber, Nick O, did a great job. He was careful, expert in installing a washer/ dryer combo, went the extra mile to do a great job, thank you , Nick"
South Townes electric, is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and responsibility in all of our jobs. We are a locally owned and operated business with more than 15 years of experience serving Hamburg, NY and surrounding areas. There is no job too big, or too small for our team. Call today and let us put our experience to work for you!
"Creekside Power is outstanding for electrical work!! The attention to detail put into their work when installing my Generac home standby generator was first class. I am pretty OCD about the way things are done, and Shawn s work was definitely up to my standards. I would highly recommend Creekside Power their price was my second lowest out of 14 estimates... Shawn was only $125 higher than my lowest estimate... and that person was not trained & certified to install Generac products, nor was he a Generac dealer like Shawn... that made my decision very easy. Everything was completed in a neat and orderly fashion. Shawn was very patient throughout, taking the time to answer my frequent questions. He used a level throughout the install and took his time as a result, everything lines up and matches up with my existing breaker box, etc. Shawn was very careful, diligent, and a bit OCD about how straight everything was during our install, which I thought was great!! Shawn takes pride in his work and it shows! Call Shawn for a free estimate... Shawn knows his stuff and you will like him. He did a great job for us on two jobs - a backup/standby generator install and a replacement of my meter channel!! He also ran a new electrical line to an out-building at my mom's house. I have already recommended Shawn to anyone I know who mentions wanting to get a generator installed."
"Mike was able to successfully repair the generator after the installer was unable to repair the generator and have it serviced properly. He went above and beyond to ensure everything was working as it should."
A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the total wattage of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.
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.
While the rating will tell you how many watts the refrigerator needs at the peak of its cycle, it requires additional wattage to start. At the bare minimum, you’ll need a 1,500-watt generator to get the fridge up and running after a blackout. A 2,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most home refrigerators.
Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:
Portable generator:
2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers.
4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.
8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.
Partial to whole-house generator:
20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.
A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a whole-home generator instead.
The Clarence, NY homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
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.