Why Backup Power Matters (Now More Than Ever)

If you’ve spent any time in cottage country, you know the power doesn’t always play nice. Windstorms, ice storms, and aging infrastructure can knock out electricity for hours or even days. In some areas, especially rural Muskoka or Haliburton, you might not see hydro restored for days.

So the real question is: Are you ready to live without power?

Power isn’t just about convenience, it’s about:

• Protecting your property (frozen pipes, sump pump failures, food spoilage)

• Staying safe and warm during emergencies

• Adding value to your home or cottage

Let’s review your top options for keeping your home or cottage powered up when the grid goes down.

 

Option 1:  Portable Gas Generator ($800 – $3,000)

The simplest and most affordable way to power essentials.

Portable generators can run your fridge, lights, sump pump, and charge devices. Some larger models can even power a furnace or water pump.

Pros:

• Affordable, upfront cost

• Easy to store

• Can power essential appliances

Cons:

• Manual setup and refuelling

• Noisy

• It requires proper ventilation (never use indoors!).

Recommended Brand: Honda, Champion, or Generac

Ballpark Cost: $800 to $3,000 depending on wattage

Resource: Canadian Tire — Portable Generators

 

Option 2:  Portable Generator + GenerLink Transfer Switch ($2,000 – $4,000)

A budget-friendly upgrade that makes using your generator safer and more straightforward.

This is the setup I personally use at home. GenerLink is a meter-mounted transfer switch that allows you to plug your portable generator directly into your home’s electrical system. There are no extension cords or complicated wiring—it automatically disconnects your home from the grid and powers your panel.

Pros:

• Safer and faster generator connection

• No need for extension cords

• Budget-friendly alternative to a standby generator

Cons:

• It still requires manual generator startup and fueling

• Limited to generator capacity (you’ll need to manage usage)

Ballpark Cost: $800 – $1,500 for GenerLink + $1,000 – $2,500 for generator

Resource: GenerLink Canada

 

Option 3:  Standby Generator (Generac System) ($10,000 – $20,000+)

Whole-home power with an automatic startup.

Standby generators kick in the second power goes out. They run on propane or natural gas and are permanently installed with a transfer switch.

Pros:

• Powers the entire home automatically

• Reliable, seamless transition

• Long-term investment with excellent resale value

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost

• Requires regular maintenance

• Professional installation needed

Great For: Luxury cottages or year-round residences

Ballpark Cost: $10,000 – $20,000+ (including install)

Resource: Generac Canada

 

Option 4:  Solar with Battery Storage ($15,000 – $40,000+)

Eco-friendly power with no fuel costs.

Solar panels paired with battery storage systems (like Tesla Powerwall) can power your home off-grid or during outages.

Pros:

• Renewable and green

• No fuel required

• Can lower hydro bills

Cons:

• High upfront cost

• It needs sunlight and storage capacity

• Permits and approvals may apply

Bonus: Grants and rebates may be available in Ontario for solar installs.

Ballpark Cost: $15,000 – $40,000+

Resource: Tesla Powerwall

 

Option 5:  Battery Backup Systems ($2,000 – $10,000)

Silent, indoor-friendly power for short outages.

Think of this like a supercharged UPS (uninterruptible power supply). It can run key devices for hours and recharge via grid or solar.

Pros:

• Silent and maintenance-free

• Indoor-friendly

• Great for condos, townhomes, or urban cottages

Cons:

• Limited power time

• Not suitable for whole-home use

Brands to Watch: EcoFlow, Bluetti, Goal Zero

Ballpark Cost: $2,000 – $10,000 depending on battery size

Resource: EcoFlow Canada

 

Personal Experience: What I Use and Recommend

As a Realtor® who lives and works in Muskoka, I’ve seen it all — power lines down in a blizzard, clients stuck with frozen pipes, and $1,000s in damages that could have been avoided.

At my place, I use a portable generator paired with a GenerLink transfer switch. It’s budget-friendly, safe, and gives me peace of mind without the high cost of a standby system.

Real talk: Backup power is a significant value-add if you’re buying or selling a rural property. Buyers ask about it, which can make or break an offer, especially in winter.

Also, if you’re considering short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO), guests will expect you to have a power plan in place.

 

Real Estate Angle: How Backup Power Affects Property Value

Adding a generator or solar solution isn’t just smart — it’s strategic.

Here’s how it helps:

• Boosts property value (especially off-grid or rural listings)

• Reduces insurance risks and potential claims

• Improves buyer confidence (no one likes surprises)

• Enhances rental appeal for short-term or seasonal income

In a market where every dollar counts, having reliable power options can set your property apart from others on the block (or lake!).

 

Actionable Takeaways

Here’s how to get started:

1. Assess your power needs (what do you really need in an outage?)

2. Set a budget that works for now, with room to upgrade later

3. Compare your options (portable vs GenerLink vs standby vs solar)

4. Check for local permits or hydro guidelines

5. Talk to your Realtor® (ahem — that’s me 😉) about how backup power could affect your buying or selling strategy

 

 

Final Thoughts: Be Where You Want To Be (Even in a Blackout)

Power outages don’t have to be a dealbreaker. With the proper setup, you can stay safe, warm, and connected no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

Whether living year-round in Muskoka or enjoying your cottage on weekends, you deserve peace of mind.

And remember, investing in backup power is more than protection — it’s property insurance with perks.

Let’s talk about your power plan. We’d love to help you buy, sell, or invest in homes and cottages that are prepared for anything.

Contact Us ⤵️

👩🏻💼 Lisa Selvage, Realtor® | All Points North Group | eXp Realty

✉️ lisamae@allpointsnorth.ca

📞 705-644-9277

🌎 Serving Muskoka & Beyond

👩🏻💼 Shirlene Johnston, Realtor® | All Points North Group | eXp Realty

✉️ info@allpointsnorth.ca

📞 705-774-1144

🌎 Serving Parry Sound & Beyond

#MuskokaRealEstate #CottageCountryLiving #PowerOutagePlan #OffGridLife #HomePrep #RealEstateExpert #BeWhereYouWantToBe