Brentwood Homeowners Turn to Standby Generators as Power Reliability Concerns Mount in 2024

As power outages continue to plague the Brentwood, NY area throughout 2024, local homeowners are increasingly investing in standby generators to ensure their families stay safe and comfortable during electrical disruptions. Recent data from PSEG Long Island and ongoing reliability challenges have made backup power solutions more essential than ever for Suffolk County residents.

The Growing Power Reliability Challenge

PSEG Long Island is improving the reliability of the energy grid in Dix Hills, Commack and Brentwood, acknowledging ongoing infrastructure challenges that have affected local homeowners. PSEG Long Island is reporting nearly 150 customers without power in the Brentwood area on Tuesday around 4 p.m. According to the PSEG map, two power outages are causing around 138 customers to lose power in Brentwood, demonstrating the frequency of power disruptions residents face.

The utility company has made significant investments to address these issues. Since the launch of Power On, more than 352 miles of the most vulnerable distribution mainline and branch line circuits on Long Island and in the Rockaways have been storm hardened with stronger poles, thicker wire and other modern equipment. These investments have strengthened the system so that fewer customers experience outages and, when they do occur, the duration is shorter, especially during extreme weather.

However, despite these improvements, the sections of circuits that PSEG Long Island has storm-hardened have seen a 72% reduction in damage leading to outages from 2016 through 2023, compared with the rest of the distribution system, indicating that non-upgraded areas still face significant reliability challenges.

Why Standby Generators Are Becoming Essential

As more and longer power outages happen across the country, a generator is becoming an important layer of protection. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. consumers experienced approximately 5½ hours of electricity interruptions in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available.

For Brentwood homeowners, the benefits of standby generators extend far beyond convenience. A standby generator keeps essential systems—heating, cooling, refrigerators—running automatically within seconds of an outage. In emergencies like winter storms or hurricanes, this means comfort, safety, and peace of mind without any scrambling.

Standby generators are always ready to supply power without needing to be turned on by a homeowner. Modern whole-home standby generators use natural gas or propane for fuel and will turn on at the first sign of a power interruption. This automatic operation is crucial when outages occur during extreme weather conditions or when homeowners are away from their properties.

The Investment Value of Standby Generators

While the initial cost may seem substantial, standby generators offer significant long-term value. Consumer Reports notes that the inclusion of a standby generator could increase your property value by 3 – 5%. While a buyer is not likely to purchase your home exclusively owing to your newly installed generator, it could be a deciding factor between two like homes on a shopping list.

While the initial cost might be higher, a standby generator pays off by keeping you covered when it matters most. It protects you from costly surprises during a long outage. Plus, it’s a strong selling point if you ever decide to move—buyers recognize the value of a home that’s prepared for power outages, especially in areas with frequent storms.

Choosing the Right Generator Size

For most Brentwood homes, a house will require a generator providing 5,000 to 7,500 watts to run critical equipment during a power outage. However, the average house takes at least 5,000 to 7,500 watts to run only the most critical equipment—think fridge, heat, and water. Often, a portable home generator can get you through an outage, but standby generators typically handle at least 20,000 watt, enough to power your entire house.

Offering 22 kilowatts of power, this model from Generac is designed to power a house that’s around 2,500 square feet. If you need to run specialized medical devices, work from home, or have kids who are learning from home, this is a sound investment when the electricity goes out.

Professional Installation is Critical

They are by far the most expensive and should be installed by an experienced electrician who can help with town or municipal permits, noise restrictions, and proper location. Installation usually costs more than the generator itself—sometimes several times more.

For Brentwood residents seeking reliable generator installation brentwood services, working with experienced professionals is essential. We can help you select and install the right generator for your home or business to ensure reliable backup power during outages, according to local electrical contractors who understand the unique challenges facing Suffolk County homeowners.

The Marra Electric Advantage

Since 2004, Marra Electric has been servicing the residents and business owners of Suffolk, NY with quality services. No matter what your needs may be, when one of their residential and commercial electrician contractors is on the job, you’ll have a peace of mind knowing it’ll be done right the first time around.

What sets Marra Electric apart is their commitment to transparency and quality. We charge by the job, not by the hour, so you always know the price before we start the work. We’ve been awarded the Super Service Award from Angie’s List over the past 4 years consecutively. This approach eliminates surprises and ensures homeowners understand exactly what they’re investing in when upgrading to standby power.

Looking Ahead: Power Reliability in Brentwood

While PSEG Long Island continues its infrastructure improvements, the reality is that power outages will continue to occur due to severe weather, equipment failures, and other unforeseen circumstances. When it comes to handling power outages, especially in tough weather, a standby generator is a smart investment. Here’s why it’s worth the cost.

For Brentwood homeowners, investing in a standby generator isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your family, preserving your home’s value, and ensuring peace of mind during an increasingly unpredictable climate. As power reliability challenges persist, those who have made this investment are finding it to be one of the most valuable home improvements they’ve ever made.