05/21/2026
Yesterday’s outage across Teller, Park, and Fremont counties left thousands without power due to an interruption involving a third-party transmission line. Events like this are an important reminder that even when weather conditions near your home appear normal, larger grid or transmission issues can still leave entire communities without electricity.
Having a backup generator can help keep your home safe, comfortable, and operational during unexpected outages. However, not all backup generator systems are the same, and choosing the right setup depends on your home, budget, and overall power needs.
Portable generators are a cost-effective solution for powering circuits during an outage. These systems are manually operated, meaning the homeowner starts the generator, connects it to the home through a code-compliant generator inlet, and manually transfers circuits from utility power to generator power using an approved transfer switch or interlock. When professionally installed, portable generators can safely and effectively provide backup power to your home during an outage.
Whole-home standby generators offer a more comprehensive solution. These permanently installed systems are connected directly to the home’s electrical system and automatically detect utility power loss during an outage. When an outage occurs, the generator starts automatically and transfers the home from utility power to generator power through an automatic transfer switch. Once utility power is restored, the system safely transfers the home back to utility power before shutting itself down automatically. These systems provide added convenience and peace of mind during severe weather events or extended outages.
Pictured here is a liquid-cooled 30kW standby generator we installed for a customer with a 200-amp electrical service. This fully automatic system is designed to provide seamless backup power during utility outages while safely managing the transition between generator and utility power.
No matter which generator option you choose, the connection to your electrical system must be installed properly and in compliance with current electrical code requirements. A code-compliant generator inlet, used in conjunction with an approved transfer switch or interlock system, helps prevent dangerous backfeeding, protects utility workers and your home, and ensures a safer and more reliable transfer of power during outages. Improper generator connections, such as backfeeding through dryer outlets or other unauthorized wiring methods, are extremely dangerous and illegal in many areas.
Whether you are considering a portable generator hookup, transfer switch installation, interlock kit, or a complete whole-home standby generator system, we are happy to help you find the right solution for your home or business.