Amid Rising Outages, Dr. Electric Urges Colorado Springs Homeowners to Bolster Electrical Panels and Backup Power

With U.S. power outages on the rise, a Colorado Springs electrical contractor is urging homeowners to prepare for extended blackouts by assessing their electrical panels and backup power options. Dr. Electric, owned by Rick Rost, provides residential and commercial electrical services across Colorado Springs, Monument, El Paso County, Woodland Park, and nearby communities.

The warning comes as data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that U.S. electricity customers experienced an average of 11 hours of interruptions in 2024—nearly double the annual average of the previous decade. Major weather events accounted for 80% of those outage hours, highlighting the grid's growing vulnerability to severe storms.

“We are seeing a significant shift in how homeowners think about their electricity,” said Rost. “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.”

Many homeowners assume their systems are ready for emergencies, only to find during a winter storm or high-wind event that their panels cannot safely support a portable generator or lack dedicated circuits for critical appliances. Dr. Electric says a professional evaluation can identify overloaded circuits, outdated panels, insufficient capacity, loose connections, and unsafe wiring.

Electrical panel capacity is the most critical factor when integrating backup power or adding heavy loads. For those considering an electrical panel upgrade in Colorado Springs, the company recommends looking at current and future household needs, not just the immediate project. A panel that was adequate when a home was built may not handle today's demands, especially with additions like generator transfer switches, EV chargers, air conditioning, hot tubs, or extra lighting.

The company's website explains that the main electrical panel is the starting point for a home's circuits, and adding new loads may require a load calculation or panel upgrade. For those researching EV charger installation in Colorado Springs, Dr. Electric says the process should include an assessment of the home's electrical system, charger type, location, circuit requirements, and permitting needs.

Lighting upgrades also play a role in efficiency, especially when paired with smart home systems or backup power. For residents seeking lighting installation in Colorado Springs, the company advises reviewing wiring conditions, switch placement, fixture type, and circuit capacity. Modern LED lighting draws significantly less power than older fixtures, which is beneficial when running a home on generator power.

“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 evaluations to discuss backup power, panel upgrades, and capacity planning before the next severe weather season. For more information, visit Dr. Electric's website or call 719-232-3047.

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