Ottawa experiences an average of 4–6 significant power outages per year, with major events (ice storms, windstorms, severe thunderstorms) causing extended outages lasting 12–72+ hours. The May 2022 derecho left parts of Ottawa without power for up to 10 days.
Ottawa experiences an average of 4–6 significant power outages per year, with major events (ice storms, windstorms, severe thunderstorms) causing extended outages lasting 12–72+ hours. The May 2022 derecho left parts of Ottawa without power for up to 10 days. The January 2025 ice storm caused 3-day outages across the west end. For Ottawa homeowners, a power outage means more than inconvenience. In winter, heating systems fail within hours, allowing pipes to freeze and potentially burst — a sing...
Portable generators ($500–$3,000): Gasoline or dual-fuel (gas/propane) units that you wheel out and connect manually during outages. Power output: 3,000–10,000 watts. Powers essentials (fridge, sump pump, furnace fan, lights, devices). Requires manual start, fuel storage, and extension cords or manual transfer switch. Brands: Honda, Generac, Champion. Inverter generators ($800–$4,000): Quieter, cleaner power than standard portables. Safe for sensitive electronics. Power output: 2,000–7,500 watt...
Essential circuits only (most popular): Powers furnace/heat pump fan, refrigerator, sump pump, well pump (if applicable), basic lighting, and a few outlets. Requires 7,500–12,000 watts. A Generac 10kW standby generator ($4,500–$6,000 for the unit) handles this load and is the most popular choice for Ottawa homeowners. Essential plus comfort: Adds central AC, microwave, washing machine, and more lighting circuits. Requires 14,000–20,000 watts. A 16–20kW standby generator ($5,500–$9,000 for the u...
Electrical permit: Required for all generator installations in Ottawa. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) must inspect the installation. Your licensed electrician handles the permit application and scheduling. Gas permit: Required for natural gas generator connections. A licensed gas fitter (G2 or G1 license) must install the gas line. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulates gas work in Ontario. Placement requirements: Standby generators must be placed at least 5 feet ...
A standby generator for essential circuits costs $8,000–$14,000 fully installed. A whole-home generator powering all circuits costs $15,000–$25,000+ installed. Portable generators cost $500–$4,000 for the unit without installation.
Most Ottawa homes need 10–16kW for essential circuits (furnace, fridge, sump pump, lights, outlets). A 22kW+ unit powers the entire home. If you have a gas furnace, a smaller generator suffices since the furnace fan only draws 500–800 watts.
Yes. An electrical permit (ESA inspection) is required for all generator installations. Natural gas connections also require a gas permit (TSSA regulated). Your installer handles both permit applications.
If your Ottawa home has Enbridge natural gas service, choose a natural gas generator — unlimited fuel supply during outages. Rural homes without gas service should use propane with a 250–500 gallon dedicated tank.