Demand for power generators surges across Bay Area ahead of second PSPS

SANTA ROSA, Calif. - With more Public Safety Power Shutoffs coming from PG&E in numerous Northern and Central California counties, many people are opting for some level of power independence. All over the outage areas, people are rushing to rent or buy generators before the final warning alerts sound.

C-E-D Greentech supplies generators, solar power systems and battery storage systems to contractors all over wine country.

Chris Sutcliff's small chain of six rental stores in Sonoma and Mendocino County rents generators.

"At the moment, you know, there are none available. Last week, I think we had to turn down at least a hundred calls or more, referring people to competitors, sending them to big box stores to purchase their own," said Sutcliff.

Unless you go big, however, small generators are very limited.

"They're renting these small units and they're frustrated that they can't plug in multiple freezers and refrigerators and use their microwave," said Sutcliff.

Northern Pacific Power Systems installs all manners of power systems, residential and commercial, in Napa, Sonoma and Marin counties.

Bottom line is: you want to make sure you get the right contractor who has a good reputation and a competitive price. And you have to get equipment that has proven itself in the field over and over again.

If you go for the cheapest thing, it may be a financial disaster even in the short run.

A portable generator that'll keep a few things, like a refrigerator and TVs running, costs from around $1,000 to $2,500.

A professionally installed whole home generator runs between $11,000 to $14,000.

Back-up batteries alone, range from $10,000 to $20,000 for basic systems.

Solar system with battery backup will cost you $35,000 and up.

"These can be fairly complicated issues and we like to hold hands with the consumers as they investigate all options," said Krause.

"The way of the future is having grid neutrality where the grid is there, but you're able to self sustain when the grid goes down," said CED Greentech's Tyson Berg.