Power outages in the GTA are more frequent than people think. Ice storms, summer thunderstorms, and aging infrastructure mean that losing power for hours or even days is a real possibility. I'm Sam from City Power Electrical Services (ECRA/ESA #7015314), and I install both standby and portable generator systems for homeowners across the Greater Toronto Area. Here's what it costs.
A whole-home standby generator — the kind that turns on automatically within seconds of a power outage — costs between $12,000 and $25,000 fully installed in Ontario. That includes the generator unit, the automatic transfer switch, the concrete pad, gas line connection (by a licensed gas fitter), electrical connections, and all permits and inspections.
Let me break this down by generator size. An 11 to 14 kW standby generator (suitable for a small to mid-size home that doesn't have electric heating or central AC) costs $5,500 to $8,000 for the unit alone. Popular models in this range include the Generac Guardian 14kW and the Cummins Quiet Connect 13kW. Installation adds $5,000 to $8,000 for the electrical work, transfer switch, pad, and gas connection. Total installed: $12,000 to $16,000.
A 20 to 24 kW generator (suitable for most homes with central AC, well pumps, or higher electrical loads) costs $7,000 to $12,000 for the unit. Models like the Generac Guardian 24kW and the Kohler 20RCAL are popular in this range. Installation runs $6,000 to $10,000. Total installed: $14,000 to $22,000.
Larger units (30 kW and above) for large homes or those with significant electrical loads can exceed $25,000 installed. These are less common for residential and are typically liquid-cooled units.
The installation cost includes several components. The automatic transfer switch (ATS) is the brains of the system. It monitors utility power and automatically starts the generator when power is lost. A 200-amp whole-home ATS costs $800 to $1,500 installed. A load-shedding ATS (which selectively powers priority circuits) is less expensive and is used when the generator can't handle the entire home's load simultaneously.
The concrete pad for the generator must meet local setback requirements. In most GTA municipalities, the generator must be at least 1.5 metres from windows, doors, and property lines. The pad typically costs $300 to $600. The gas line from your natural gas meter to the generator must be sized for the generator's BTU demand and installed by a licensed gas fitter (TSSA-certified). Gas line costs range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the distance and gas pressure available.
Electrical work includes connecting the transfer switch to your main panel, running the power cable from the generator to the transfer switch, and ensuring everything meets the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. An ESA permit and inspection is required. The electrical portion of the installation typically costs $1,500 to $3,000.
Permits and inspections include the ESA electrical permit ($150 to $300), the TSSA gas permit (handled by the gas fitter), and potentially a municipal building permit depending on your city's requirements. Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and other GTA municipalities each have their own requirements for generator installations.
If a whole-home standby generator is beyond your budget, a manual transfer switch with a portable generator is a much more affordable option. A quality 7,500 to 10,000 watt portable generator costs $1,500 to $3,500 (Honda and Yamaha are the gold standard, but Westinghouse and Champion offer good value). A manual transfer switch with a dedicated inlet box costs $800 to $1,500 installed. Total: $2,500 to $5,000.
With a manual transfer switch, you physically start the portable generator during an outage, connect it to the inlet box, and flip the transfer switch to generator power. It's not automatic, but it's safe, code-compliant, and keeps your essential circuits running. I install these regularly for homeowners who want outage protection without the $15,000+ investment of a standby unit.
What's absolutely critical: never, ever backfeed a generator through a regular outlet into your panel. This is illegal, violates the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, and is potentially lethal. It sends power back through the utility lines and can electrocute utility workers trying to restore power. A transfer switch physically isolates your home from the grid when the generator is running. There is no safe shortcut here.
A few notes about maintenance. Standby generators run a brief automatic exercise cycle weekly (usually 15 to 20 minutes) to keep the engine and battery in good condition. Annual maintenance — oil change, filter replacement, spark plug inspection, and battery check — costs $200 to $400 if done by a professional. Natural gas generators require less maintenance than propane or diesel units.
Fuel considerations: natural gas is by far the most convenient for GTA homeowners since it's piped continuously. You never need to worry about fuel storage or running out. Propane is an option for rural areas without natural gas service but requires a tank and regular refills. Diesel generators are less common in residential and are mostly used for commercial backup.
Ready to protect your home from power outages? Call City Power Electrical Services at 416-877-3048. I'll assess your home's electrical load, recommend the right generator size, and give you a complete installed price.