As severe weather events continue to strain the national power grid, Dr. Electric, a Colorado Springs-based electrical contractor, is advising homeowners in the area to proactively prepare for extended outages by evaluating their electrical panels and installing backup power solutions. The warning comes amid data showing that U.S. electricity customers experienced an average of 11 hours of interruptions in 2024, nearly double the annual average of the previous decade, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The EIA data also reveals that major weather events accounted for 80 percent of those outage hours, underscoring the growing vulnerability of the power grid. For homeowners, this means that relying solely on the grid is no longer sufficient. "We are seeing a significant shift in how homeowners think about their electricity," said Rick Rost, owner of Dr. Electric. "It is no longer just about having enough power for daily life; it is about having a secure, code-compliant backup plan when the grid goes down, and that requires a strong electrical foundation."
Dr. Electric, which serves Colorado Springs, Monument, El Paso County, Woodland Park, and nearby communities, notes that many homeowners assume their electrical systems are ready for an emergency, only to discover during a severe winter storm or high-wind event that their panels cannot safely support a portable generator or lack the dedicated circuits needed for critical appliances. To address this, the company recommends a professional electrical evaluation to identify overloaded circuits, outdated panels, insufficient capacity, loose connections, unsafe wiring, or hidden project requirements.
One of the most critical factors in integrating backup power is electrical panel capacity. For residents considering an electrical panel upgrade, Dr. Electric advises looking at current and future household needs rather than just the immediate project. A panel that was sufficient when a home was built may not be adequate for today's electrical use, especially when adding generator transfer switches, EV chargers, air conditioning, hot tubs, or additional lighting and appliance loads. The company's website explains that the main electrical panel is the starting point for a home's electrical circuits and that adding new loads may require a load calculation or panel upgrade.
EV charger installation is another area where grid independence and electrical capacity intersect. For homeowners researching EV charger installation, Dr. Electric says the process should include an assessment of the home's electrical system, the charger type, location, circuit requirements, permitting needs, and whether a panel upgrade or added circuit is needed. The company's EV charging service page notes that charging station installation involves technical considerations, from the initial assessment to the installation itself.
Lighting upgrades also play a role in home modernization and efficiency, particularly when paired with smart home systems or backup power. For residents searching for lighting installation, Dr. Electric says lighting work should be reviewed for wiring conditions, switch placement, fixture type, circuit capacity, and code requirements. Modern LED lighting draws significantly less power than older fixtures, which can be highly beneficial when running a home on backup generator power during an outage.
"Electrical work should never be guesswork, especially when you are dealing with backup power systems that tie directly into your main panel," Rost added. "Our role is to explain what the home can safely support, what needs to be upgraded, and what steps are required so the installation is done correctly and safely."
Dr. Electric encourages homeowners to schedule electrical evaluations to discuss backup power options, panel upgrades, and capacity planning before the next severe weather season arrives. The company, led by owner Rick Rost, emphasizes safety, code-compliant work, clear communication, and practical solutions for modern homes and businesses.
