Generator Installation in Portland, OR
Portland General Electric customers averaged 13 hours without power in 2024 — roughly the US average of 11 hours. Winter windstorms and ice bring down trees and power lines around Portland, with wildfire-season shutoffs an added risk. Below are generator installers serving Portland and the rest of Multnomah County, ranked by reputation.
How often the power actually goes out in Portland
2024 · EIA data13 hours
average time a Portland General Electric customer spent without power
1.2×
the US average of 11 hours — worse than typical
1.3
power interruptions per customer that year
Excluding major event days — hurricanes, ice storms and the like — the figure drops to 2.2 hours. The gap between the two is the part a standby generator or home battery is really for.
Source: US Energy Information Administration, Form 861 reliability filing for Portland General Electric Co (IEEE 1366 methodology). SAIDI measures the average minutes a customer was without power across the year. National reliability in 2024 was heavily affected by Hurricanes Beryl, Helene and Milton.
93
GridFree Score
★★★★★ 5 · 332
93
GridFree Score
★★★★ 4.8 · 519
92
GridFree Score
★★★★ 4.9 · 340
4.Oregon Generators
Top ratedElectric generator shop
Generac
89
GridFree Score
★★★★ 4.9 · 79
5.Pacific Northwest Electric Inc.
Top ratedElectrician
87
GridFree Score
★★★★★ 5 · 62
85
GridFree Score
★★★★ 4.7 · 96
7.Alternative Power Systems LLC
Top ratedElectric generator shop
83
GridFree Score
★★★★ 4.9 · 31
69
GridFree Score
★★★★ 4 · 12
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Get listed →Frequently asked questions
How much does generator installation cost in Portland?
In Portland, a whole-house standby generator (18–26 kW) typically runs $10,000–$20,000 installed, including the transfer switch, gas connection, pad and permits. A smaller essentials-only unit (10–14 kW) runs $8,000–$13,000. A portable generator with an interlock kit is the budget option at $800–$2,000.
Do I need a permit for a generator in Portland, OR?
Almost everywhere, yes. A standby generator needs an electrical permit and usually a gas/plumbing permit, and most states require the work be done by a licensed contractor. A reputable Portland installer pulls the permit for you — treat anyone who offers to skip it as a red flag, since unpermitted work surfaces at resale and can void insurance claims.
Who installs generators in Portland?
Licensed electricians and specialized generator dealers handle installation. A standby generator also needs a gas connection, so many jobs involve both an electrician and a plumbing contractor — dealers coordinate both.
Why are outages common around Portland?
Portland General Electric customers averaged 13 hours without power in 2024 — roughly the US average of 11 hours. Winter windstorms and ice bring down trees and power lines around Portland, with wildfire-season shutoffs an added risk.
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