Ottawa homeowner weighs portable versus standby generator costs

Following frequent power outages in the Ottawa area, a homeowner evaluated the cost-effectiveness of whole-home standby generators versus portable units.

Discussions regarding the decision highlighted a significant price gap: while a full standby system can cost between $15,000 and $20,000, a portable setup can be implemented for approximately $3,000 to $4,000. For households experiencing only occasional outages, the primary trade-off is convenience versus cost.

Ultimately, the homeowner opted for a portable generator combined with a GenerLink system, concluding that the high cost of a full standby system was difficult to justify for their specific needs, which focused on powering essentials like refrigeration, heating, and internet service.