Backup Power
Backup Power | Generators | Electrical | Jefferson City
When a storm rolls across the Missouri River or the summer heat strains the grid, Jefferson City businesses and homeowners turn to HEP for uninterrupted power. Our licensed technicians design and install state-of-the-art generators that start within seconds of an outage, keeping lights bright, servers online, and refrigerators cold. From compact residential units to industrial-grade systems tailored for hospitals, we match the perfect capacity to your needs and budget, all while navigating permits and utility coordination so you don’t have to.
Beyond installation, HEP delivers full-circle support: proactive maintenance plans, load bank testing, fuel management, and 24/7 emergency dispatch. Every bolt tightened and every wire inspected reflects our promise of rock-solid reliability, because backup power isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, productivity, and peace of mind. Let HEP show you why, when Jefferson City thinks of generators, it thinks of us.
FAQs
What size standby generator do I need for my Jefferson City home or business?
Proper sizing depends on the electrical load you want to support during an outage. A typical 2,500–3,000-sq-ft home with essential circuits (refrigerator, HVAC blower, lights, sump pump, Wi-Fi, garage door) usually needs an 11–14 kW air-cooled generator. Whole-home coverage or larger commercial buildings often require 20–60 kW liquid-cooled units. We perform an on-site load assessment and calculate starting (surge) currents, then match you with a generator that provides at least 20 % headroom for future expansion.
Do I need a permit to install a generator in Jefferson City, MO?
Yes. The City of Jefferson requires an electrical permit and, if the unit is fueled by natural gas or propane, a plumbing/mechanical permit as well. Our licensed electricians handle the entire permitting process, including filing the load calculation, plot plan, and manufacturer’s spec sheet with the city’s Building & Inspection Division. Expect a 3–5 business-day review period before work can begin.
How long will my generator run during an outage?
Runtime is determined by fuel capacity and load. A typical 11 kW air-cooled generator connected to Jefferson City’s natural-gas utility can provide power indefinitely as long as gas service remains intact. Propane-fueled units draw from an external tank: a 250-gal (200 gal usable) tank powers an 11 kW unit about 3.5–4 days at 50 % load. Diesel generators rely on onsite belly or sub-base tanks sized for 24–72 hours; refueling contracts can extend runtime for prolonged outages.
How often does a generator need maintenance?
Manufacturers recommend service every 12 months or 200 hours, whichever comes first. In Jefferson City’s climate, annual service just before storm season (March–May) is ideal. Maintenance includes oil and filter change, spark-plug inspection, valve clearance check, battery test, firmware updates, and exercising the transfer switch. We offer maintenance plans that include monthly remote monitoring and an automatic visit if the unit logs a fault code.
Will a generator be noisy or disturb my neighbors?
Modern residential standby generators operate between 60–70 dB at 23 ft—similar to a central AC condenser. Jefferson City’s noise ordinance caps residential noise at 70 dB during daytime and 60 dB at night. Because generators rarely run continuously (only during outages or a weekly 5-minute exercise), they typically comply. We position the unit at least 5 ft from openings, use factory sound-attenuating enclosures, and can add an after-market residential muffler if needed.
What is the average cost of purchasing and installing a standby generator in Jefferson City?
Pricing varies by capacity and fuel type. For a turnkey installation (equipment, pad, permits, electrical, gas line, startup, and first-year maintenance): • 11–14 kW air-cooled natural-gas unit: $8,500–$11,000 • 20–26 kW air-cooled whole-home unit: $12,000–$16,000 • 30–60 kW liquid-cooled commercial unit: $22,000–$45,000 These figures include Jefferson City permit fees (≈$150–$250) and utility inspection. Financing and utility rebates for load-management upgrades are available; ask us for current promotions.