Generator Solutions
Generator Service
We install, service, and maintain whole-home standby and portable generators across the Twin Cities. We'll size it to the circuits you actually want to keep running, put it in, and test it under a simulated outage before we leave. We work with Generac, Kohler, and other major brands.
Here's how we do it.
Not sure what size you need?
Use our free Generator Sizing Tool to get a ballpark kilowatt rating for your home before you call — so the quote conversation is quick and honest.
Sizing your Generator
We install air-cooled and liquid-cooled standby generators from 10 kW up to 150 kW and beyond. One of our designers will review your electrical load and the circuits you want to back up — whole home or essentials only — and recommend the right size generator for your needs.
Fuel source & placement.
We install natural gas, liquid propane (LP), and diesel generators. Our team coordinates with your gas or fuel provider and handles placement, pad, and venting so the unit is code-compliant and operates safely.
Automatic transfer switch (ATS).
Every standby generator we install includes a properly sized automatic transfer switch so your generator starts and restores power automatically when the utility goes out — no manual switching required.
Permits, inspection & commissioning.
We pull the required electrical and mechanical permits, coordinate inspections, and fully commission the system. Before we leave, we simulate a power outage to confirm your generator starts, transfers, and runs exactly as it should.
Maintenance & repair.
We service all major generator brands. Ask us about annual maintenance plans, battery and oil changes, load-bank testing, and 24/7 emergency repair so your backup power is always ready when you need it.
Standby Generators
Automatic backup power, installed and tested by our own licensed crew. Free on-site assessment and sizing.
We carry whole-home standby options and offer financing on projects over $500. Tired of losing the fridge and sump every time a storm knocks out the power? Give us a call.
- Make your home more self-reliant
- Automatically starts within seconds of a power outage
- Seamlessly integrates with your home electrical system via automatic transfer switch
- Reliable backup power with industry-leading Generac and Kohler standby generators
- Complete service includes system design, permitting, and installation
Generac & Kohler certified installers
Three Rivers Electric is a certified installer for both Generac and Kohler standby generators — the two most trusted names in home backup power. Certification means factory-trained installs, valid manufacturer warranties, and access to the right equipment and parts. Because we work with both brands, we recommend what actually fits your home and budget instead of pushing whatever's on the truck.
What a standby generator install includes
A whole-home standby generator sits outside like an A/C unit and switches on automatically within seconds of an outage — no cords, no refueling, no being awake to start it. A done-right install covers:
- A load calculation and correctly sized unit so you're not over- or under-buying
- An automatic transfer switch wired to your panel — whole-home or essential-circuits
- Natural gas or propane hookup coordinated with your fuel line and meter
- A level pad, proper clearances, and code-compliant placement
- Permit, inspection, startup, and a walkthrough so you know how it runs
What a standby generator costs
| Standby generator | Typical installed price* |
|---|---|
| 18 kW Generac whole-home standby | ~$14,900 |
| 24–26 kW Generac whole-home standby | ~$16,900 |
| Gas line work (if added) | $1,850–$2,900 |
| Manual transfer / interlock setup | ~$970 |
*Installed prices from our own project pricing — includes the automatic transfer switch, pad, and startup. Your exact price depends on generator size, gas-line distance, and electrical tie-in. Free on-site assessment and sizing.
Generator programs & credits
If you're served by Connexus Energy, ask us about the Peak-Shaving Generation Credit Rider for qualifying standby generation — a fit for larger homes and properties. We'll tell you whether your utility offers anything that applies to your project.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a whole-home standby generator cost in the Twin Cities?
A whole-home Generac standby generator typically runs about $14,900 for an 18 kW unit and about $16,900 for a 24–26 kW unit, installed with the automatic transfer switch — plus $1,850–$2,900 if new gas-line work is needed. A manual transfer/interlock setup is about $970. Final price depends on size, gas-line distance, and electrical tie-in; we provide a free on-site assessment.
What size generator do I need?
It comes down to which circuits you want to keep running and the starting load of big appliances like a furnace, A/C, well pump, or sump pump. A whole-home unit covers everything; an essential-circuits unit covers heat, fridge, and a few outlets for less money. Our free Generator Sizing Tool gives you a quick kilowatt estimate, and we confirm it with a load calculation on site.
Generac or Kohler — which should I choose?
Both are excellent, and we're certified to install either. Generac has the widest model range and parts availability; Kohler is known for heavy-duty engines and quiet operation. We'll match the brand and model to your home's load, your fuel type, and your budget rather than steer you to one by default.
What's the difference between a standby and a portable generator?
A standby generator is permanently installed, runs on natural gas or propane, and starts automatically the moment the power drops — you don't have to be home. A portable generator is cheaper up front but has to be rolled out, fueled with gasoline, started by hand, and run with extension cords. For reliable outage protection, standby is the upgrade most homeowners are after.
Does it run on natural gas or propane?
Either. If you have a natural gas line, we tie the generator into it so you never have to think about fuel. If you don't, we set it up on propane from a tank. We coordinate the gas connection and confirm your line can supply the unit during a run.
How long does installation take?
A typical standby install is completed in one to two days once the unit and permit are in hand. Timing depends on the gas hookup, the pad, and the distance to your panel. We handle the permit and inspection and do a full startup and walkthrough before we leave.
Will a standby generator power my whole house?
It can. A properly sized whole-home unit paired with the right transfer switch runs everything; a smaller unit runs essential circuits — heat, refrigeration, sump pump, and key outlets — for a lower cost. We'll help you decide where the line is worth drawing based on your priorities and budget.
Ready for reliable backup power?
Free in-home site visit with written proposal during the visit.
