Home Generator Installation: Backup Power for Pickering & Durham Region

By Pickering Electrician — ESA-licensed electrical contractor serving Pickering, Ajax, Whitby & Durham Region.

Winter ice storms and summer thunderstorms both take their toll on the power grid across Durham Region, and homes near Lake Ontario in Pickering can see extended outages during major weather events. A properly installed backup generator keeps your fridge running, your basement sump pump working, and your home heated — without the guesswork of a portable unit running extension cords through a window.

Portable vs. Standby Generators

Portable Generators

Portable generators are lower cost upfront and can be moved or stored, but they require manual setup during an outage, must be run outdoors away from windows and doors due to carbon monoxide risk, and typically only power a limited number of circuits via extension cords or a manual transfer switch.

Automatic Standby Generators

A standby generator is permanently installed outside your home, connected to a natural gas or propane line, and wired through an automatic transfer switch. When the power goes out, it starts within seconds — no manual intervention required — and can power anywhere from a few essential circuits to your entire home depending on the unit size.

Why a Transfer Switch Is Non-Negotiable

Whether you choose a portable or standby unit, an approved transfer switch is required to isolate your home from the utility grid while the generator is running. Without one, backfeeding electricity onto utility lines can seriously injure hydro workers repairing the outage and can damage your own electrical system. This is not an area to cut corners, and it's not a DIY job.

Sizing Your Generator

Generator sizing depends on what you want to keep running during an outage:

• Essential circuits only (furnace, fridge, sump pump, select outlets): roughly 10-14 kW
• Most of the home (adds central air, more outlets, some large appliances): roughly 16-20 kW
• Whole-home coverage (larger properties, well pumps, multiple HVAC zones): 22 kW or more

A licensed electrician will calculate your home's actual electrical load rather than guessing, which also ties into whether your panel can support the transfer switch — see our related article on electrical panel upgrades if your panel is older or undersized.

The Installation Process

1. Site assessment and load calculation
2. Coordination with a gas fitter for the fuel line (natural gas or propane)
3. Concrete pad or mounting base installation for the generator unit
4. Electrical connection including the automatic transfer switch, wired into your panel
5. ESA permit and inspection
6. System testing, including a simulated outage to confirm automatic start-up

What Does a Home Generator Cost in Pickering? (CAD Estimates)

• Manual transfer switch with portable generator hookup: approximately CAD $800 – $1,800 (electrical work only, generator sold separately)
• Automatic standby generator, essential circuits (10-14 kW): approximately CAD $8,000 – $11,000 fully installed
• Automatic standby generator, larger home coverage (18-24 kW): approximately CAD $12,000 – $16,000+ fully installed

Disclaimer: These figures are general estimates in Canadian dollars based on typical regional pricing and do not represent an exact quote. Actual pricing depends on generator size, gas line routing, site conditions, panel compatibility, and permit fees. Contact Pickering Electrician at (647) 930-3070 for an accurate, no-obligation assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a transfer switch for a home generator?

Yes — it's required by code to prevent dangerous backfeed onto utility lines and to safely isolate your home from the grid while running on generator power.

How much does a standby generator cost installed in Pickering?

General estimates range from roughly CAD $8,000 to $16,000 fully installed, depending on generator size and site conditions.

What size generator do I need for my house?

It depends on which circuits you want powered during an outage — typically 10-14 kW for essentials, up to 22 kW or more for whole-home coverage. A licensed electrician can calculate this for your specific home.

If your business also needs backup power planning, see our page on commercial electrical services in Pickering. And if you're dealing with an outage right now, read what to do when the power goes out.