Reliable Backup Generator Installations in Calgary & Edmonton

To power a standard 2,500 sq. ft. home—including the furnace, fridge, sump pump, and lights—a 14 kW to 20 kW generator is usually sufficient. If you have high-draw appliances like a central AC unit, an electric stove, or an EV charger, you may require a 22 kW to 26 kW unit. A professional "load calculation" is the best way to ensure you don't overpay for capacity you don't need.

Yes. Under the Alberta Safety Codes Act, you generally require both an electrical permit and a gas permit (for natural gas or propane units). If you are in Calgary or Edmonton, these permits ensure the installation meets the Canadian Electrical Code and gas safety standards. Evalence handles the permit application process for you to ensure the unit passes the required municipal inspections.

For Albertans with existing utility lines, natural gas is the most popular choice because it provides an unlimited fuel supply and requires no on-site storage. However, for rural properties or those in areas prone to gas line maintenance, liquid propane (LP) is superior. Propane has a higher energy density and does not degrade over time, making it highly reliable for long-term storage in the Alberta backcountry.

Modern standby generators are designed for the Canadian climate, but for guaranteed performance in an Alberta a Cold Weather Kit is essential. These kits typically include:

Battery Warmers: To prevent the battery from losing its charge in extreme cold.

Oil Heaters: To keep the engine lubricant fluid for a smooth start.

Synthetic Oil: Specifically 5W-30 or 0W-30 weights that flow better in sub-zero temperatures.

Absolutely. With Alberta’s evolving energy market and recent AESO Grid Alerts, standby generators provide "energy independence." An automatic transfer switch (ATS) detects a grid failure or a rolling blackout within seconds, meaning your furnace and essential medical equipment stay powered even when the provincial grid is under extreme stress.

Standby Generators: Permanently installed outside (like an AC unit), run on your home’s fuel supply, and turn on automatically when the power goes out.

Portable Generators: Must be manually moved into place, refueled with gasoline or propane, and started by hand. In Alberta, these are often paired with a manual transfer switch to safely power home circuits without using extension cords.

To ensure reliability, you should schedule a professional tune-up once a year or after every 200 hours of use. In Alberta, it is also recommended to run a "monthly exercise cycle" (usually 10–20 minutes) to keep the engine lubricated and the battery charged. Clearing snow from the intake and exhaust vents during winter is also a critical DIY maintenance step.

As of 2026, most federal and provincial "Green Energy" grants (like the Canada Greener Homes Initiative) focus on renewables such as solar and heat pumps rather than natural gas or propane generators. While a standard gas generator may not qualify for a "renewable" rebate, pairing it with a battery storage system can sometimes unlock specific municipal financing or tax-deductible incentives for "emergency preparedness."