Bob Pierce answers questions about energy efficiency, consumer products, and cooperative governance. He is Clearwater Power’s Chief Operating Officer and welcomes your questions on our Ask Bob page.
I would like to get a backup generator, but they said I need to know how much power my house uses. What information do I need, and can I get it from you?
Yes. Clearwater Power can provide your historical electric use, including your home’s highest recorded demand. That information can help you and your electrician choose the right size generator.
Your highest demand shows how much power your home has used at one time. You could buy a generator large enough to meet that highest demand, but that can be expensive. Another approach may be to choose a smaller generator that can handle the loads you need during an outage.
Think about what you want to keep running. That might include your refrigerator, freezer, lights, etc. Your electrician can help you decide which loads the generator can handle. A larger generator can power the entire service panel, while a smaller generator may supply only an emergency panel. These are things you should discuss with your electrician.
You will also need a transfer switch. It can be automatic or manual. A transfer switch safely connects your home to the generator while keeping the generator separated from Clearwater Power’s lines. This prevents electricity from being sent back onto the power lines, where it could be dangerous for our employees.
Since you are already doing this project, you might ask your electrician about a panel-based surge protector. Voltage spikes are not common, but they can happen.
If you’re considering a generator, contact Clearwater Power first. We can provide your historical demand and other information you can take to your electrician to help you make a good choice.