When power goes out, everything stops.
For many Colorado homeowners, recent Xcel Energy power shutoffs meant hours — and in some cases days — without electricity. No heat, no refrigeration, no internet, no way to charge devices, and no clear timeline for restoration. For families working from home, caring for children, or relying on powered medical equipment, the impact was more than inconvenient — it was disruptive and stressful.
While no one can control when outages happen, you can control how prepared your home is when they do.
Why Power Shutoffs Are Becoming More Common
Planned and unplanned outages are increasing due to:
- Severe weather and high wind events
- Fire-prevention shutoffs
- Strain on aging infrastructure
- Emergency maintenance and safety concerns
Utilities like Xcel Energy prioritize public safety, but that often means entire neighborhoods losing power with little warning.
The question is no longer if another outage will happen — it’s how ready will you be next time?
Backup Power Options That Actually Make Sense for Homeowners
At Colorado Integrated Electrical Services (CIES), we help homeowners install safe, code-compliant backup power solutions that keep essential systems running during an outage — without the cost or complexity of a full standby generator (unless that’s what you want).
Generator Interlock Systems: Flexible, Reliable Backup Power
One of the most practical and cost-effective solutions is a generator interlock system.
An interlock allows you to:
- Safely connect a portable generator to your home’s electrical panel
- Power nearly any circuit in your panel (one at a time, based on generator capacity)
- Choose what matters most during an outage — heat, fridge, outlets, lights, Wi-Fi, or medical equipment
Unlike basic extension-cord setups, an interlock system provides controlled, whole-panel access, giving you flexibility when conditions change.
Already Own a Portable Generator?
Good news — you may already be halfway there.
Many homeowners own portable generators for:
- Camping
- RV trips
- Tailgating
- Job sites
In many cases, those same generators can be safely used with a home interlock system.
CIES can:
- Evaluate your existing generator
- Confirm compatibility and capacity
- Install the proper inlet, interlock, and safety components
- Ensure everything meets local electrical code requirements
No guessing. No unsafe hookups. No backfeeding risks.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Backup power systems are not DIY projects.
Improper installations can:
- Endanger utility workers
- Damage your electrical panel
- Void insurance coverage
- Create serious fire hazards
Our licensed electricians ensure your system is:
- Installed to code
- Properly labeled
- Safe for your home and the electrical grid
- Easy to operate when you need it most
Because during an outage is not the time to figure things out.
Prepare Now — Not After the Next Outage
The last round of shutoffs was a tough reminder of how quickly life changes when power disappears. Preparation turns chaos into confidence.
Whether you want to:
- Install a generator interlock system
- Add a dedicated backup generator
- Evaluate a generator you already own
- Plan ahead for future outages
CIES is here to help you prepare before the next power shutoff happens.
Ready to Talk Backup Power?
If recent outages left you thinking “I never want to deal with that again,” now is the time to plan.
📞 Contact Colorado Integrated Electrical Services to schedule a backup power consultation and learn which solution makes the most sense for your home.
Stay safe. Stay powered. Stay prepared. ⚡️
