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Energy › Power Generation & Storage
Backup Generator in Alberta
Good coverage · 3 providers
Standby or portable generator installation for backup power.
When to use: Whole-property or critical-load backup during grid outages.
- Duration
- 2–7 days
- Typical size
- 7–50 kW
- Permits
- Electrical permit, gas permit for natural gas units
Scope of work
- Generator selection
- Site preparation
- Generator installation
- Fuel supply
- Electrical connection
- Testing
How this works in Alberta
A generator is the last line when batteries or the grid fail. Paired with a transfer switch it keeps the well and freezer alive.
A backup generator is the simplest way to keep a well pump, furnace, freezers and livestock water running through a grid outage. The choice is between a portable unit, which you move into position, connect and start by hand, and a standby unit, which is permanently installed, usually on natural gas or propane, and starts automatically with an automatic transfer switch.
The non-negotiable part is the transfer switch. FortisAlberta requires that a portable generator be connected through a CSA-approved utility transfer switch, operated manually to move the load onto the generator. It states that standby generators are not intended to export power onto the electrical system. FortisAlberta also describes a meter-mounted transfer switch option for portable units, installed by its own technician together with your electrician, once permits are in hand.
Permits follow the work. The electrical connection needs an electrical permit, as any electrical work does. A gas line to a natural gas or propane unit is gas work, which needs a gas permit; many municipalities, Calgary for example, restrict homeowner gas permits to certified journeyman gasfitters. A certified gas fitter and an electrician are the normal crew.
Typical cost in Alberta
No current Alberta-specific published price was found. The commercial rows below are Ontario prices, before tax, shown for scale only.
| Item | Range | Source | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standby generator 14–18 kW, installed (Ontario) | $8,500–$13,000 installed, before HST | Builders Ontario, Standby generator cost in Ontario (commercial, Ontario prices) | Commercial estimate · checked Oct 2026 |
| Standby generator 20–26 kW, installed (Ontario) | $11,000–$18,000 installed, before HST | Builders Ontario, Standby generator cost in Ontario (commercial, Ontario prices) | Commercial estimate · checked Oct 2026 |
| Automatic transfer switch (Ontario) | $1,500–$3,000 per switch | Builders Ontario, Standby generator cost in Ontario (commercial, Ontario prices) | Commercial estimate · checked Oct 2026 |
| Standby generator 7–50 kW installed, incl. transfer switch, fuel supply and electrical connection | $5,000–$20,000 installed | Land Intelligence planning estimate (Aug 2026), not a quote | Land Intelligence planning estimate · 2026-08-11 |
Builders Ontario notes that the gas line, pad, transfer switch, electrical tie-in and permits make up close to half of a standby install; a propane tank is extra. Ask for those items itemized.
Ranges are planning figures from the sources shown, not quotes. Get written quotes for your site.
Alberta rules and permits
- Your electrician must be involved in setting up any standby generation, and a portable generator must be connected with a Canadian Standards Association approved utility transfer switch. (FortisAlberta, Standby generators)
- Standby generators are not intended to export power onto the electrical system; closed-transition configurations must parallel the utility for less than 100 milliseconds and need FortisAlberta's interconnection form. (FortisAlberta, Standby generators)
- An electrical permit is required for any electrical work. (Alberta Utilities Commission, Micro-generation notice submission guideline (2026 edition))
- A gas permit is required for installing, altering or adding to a gas system; in Calgary a homeowner can obtain one only as an Alberta certified journeyman gasfitter working on their own single-family home. Check your own municipality's rules. (City of Calgary, Plumbing and gas permits)
Sizing and planning
- FortisAlberta states the generator must be sized to your load and set up to meet your backup requirements.
- List what must run in an outage: well pump, furnace blower, freezer and fridge, sump, heat tape, waterers, lights. Note each item's running watts and start-up surge.
- Choose between a manual transfer switch with a sub-panel of essential circuits, or an automatic transfer switch, possibly with load management, for whole-house coverage.
- For portable units, plan fuel storage for an extended outage. FortisAlberta notes that long outages require refuelling.
Alberta providers
3 providers identified. Good coverage.
Industrial Engines Ltd.
UNCLAIMED
Identified
Service area based on publicly available information and/or Land Intelligence research.
ProSolutions Inc.
UNCLAIMED
Identified
Service area based on publicly available information and/or Land Intelligence research.
Common questions
Can I plug a generator into a dryer outlet?
No. FortisAlberta requires a portable generator to be connected through a CSA-approved utility transfer switch, installed with your electrician.
Do I need a permit for a standby generator?
Yes for the electrical connection. A gas permit is also needed if a gas or propane line is run.
Is there a utility-installed option for portable generators?
FortisAlberta describes a meter-mounted transfer switch installed by its technician with your electrician. Your meter box must be compatible.
Natural gas, propane or gasoline?
Standby units usually run on piped natural gas or a propane tank. Portables usually run on gasoline and need refuelling during long outages.
Sources
- FortisAlberta, Standby generators (undated; read 2026-10-26)
- Alberta Utilities Commission, Micro-generation notice submission guideline (2026 edition) (2026 edition; read 2026-10-26)
- City of Calgary, Plumbing and gas permits (undated; read 2026-10-26)
- Builders Ontario, Standby generator cost in Ontario (commercial, Ontario prices) (prices stated as checked October 2026)