When the wind howls and ice coats the orchards, Hollis can go dark fast. If you have a well pump, a sump pump, or medical equipment, even a short outage is stressful. You want a simple plan that keeps the lights on and your home safe. In this guide, you’ll learn local backup power options, costs, permits, and safety steps tailored for Hollis, plus a quick storm prep checklist. Let’s dive in.
Hollis storm risks at a glance
Hollis sees winter nor’easters, ice, and strong wind that can trigger widespread outages across southern New Hampshire. During severe events, check your utility’s outage map and report your outage directly to your provider. Local news outlets summarize outage activity across the state, and you should re‑report if your power is still out after 24 hours to keep counts accurate, as advised in this statewide coverage of outages in New Hampshire.
Register for Hollis emergency alerts, and keep utility numbers handy. In extended outages, focus on heat, water, refrigeration, and medical needs first.
Latest New Hampshire outage updates and guidance
Backup power options
Portable generators
Portable gasoline or propane units are affordable and flexible. They can power a few key items like your refrigerator, sump pump, or furnace fan. Always run them outdoors and use outdoor‑rated cords for individual appliances. Public safety guidance warns that carbon monoxide can be deadly; place units well away from doors, windows, and vents.
Generator carbon monoxide safety basics
Standby generators
Standby units sit on a pad and turn on automatically during an outage. They connect through an automatic transfer switch and can power selected circuits or your whole house, depending on size. For safety and code compliance, follow your utility’s generator guidance and require a transfer switch.
Utility guidance on generator safety and transfer switches
Battery backups
Portable power stations and home battery systems are quiet and low‑maintenance. They are great for electronics, refrigeration, and medical devices. For multi‑day, whole‑house backup, most homes still rely on fuel‑powered standby units.
Fuel choices in Hollis
Propane and heating oil are widely used across New Hampshire, which is why propane‑fired standby generators are common locally. If your street has natural gas service, a natural‑gas standby unit avoids on‑site fuel storage. Diesel can support heavier loads but requires tank logistics. Compare availability during storms and seasonal price swings before you choose.
New England heating fuel mix and propane prevalence
Right‑size your system
Think in terms of the loads you cannot lose: well or sump pump, furnace fan, refrigerator, key lighting, and any medical equipment. Portable generators often cover 2 to 10 kW for a few circuits or appliances. Many single‑family standby systems fall around 13 to 25 kW, with larger homes or heavy electric loads needing more. The best path is a load calculation with a licensed electrician.
What it costs
Portable generators commonly run a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, plus the cost of a safe inlet and transfer device if you want to connect to home circuits. Installed standby systems for many homes often land from the mid‑$6,000s to low‑$11,000s, with complex jobs ranging higher due to gas lines, pads, trenching, and transfer equipment. Ask for written, line‑item estimates and confirm permits and inspections are included.
Typical generator cost ranges and drivers
Permits, code, and safety
Hollis permits and 2020 NEC
Hollis enforces the 2020 National Electrical Code for new permits. Permanent generator installs must be permitted and inspected through the Town of Hollis. Call the Building Department early to confirm which permits you need for electrical work and any fuel lines or tanks.
Hollis Building and Code Enforcement
Codes in effect for new permits in Hollis
Hire a licensed NH electrician
Permanent wiring, transfer switches, and service connections should be installed by a New Hampshire‑licensed electrician and inspected. Verify credentials before work begins.
NH Electricians’ Board license information
Transfer switches and utility protection
Never backfeed your home from a generator by using improvised plugs. Always use a listed transfer switch or interlock to isolate your home from the grid. This protects utility crews and your equipment and is required by code and utility safety rules.
Utility generator safety and transfer switch guidance
CO and fuel storage safety
Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level and near bedrooms. Place portable generators outside, well away from openings, and point exhaust away from the home. Store fuel only in approved containers and never refuel a hot generator.
CO and generator safety from CPSC
Siting and flood zones
If your property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, elevate and anchor generators and tanks per floodplain rules. Check your flood zone before you pick a location.
Tanks and local fire rules
Propane or diesel tanks have clearance, anchoring, and inspection requirements. Before you buy or set a tank, confirm siting rules with the Hollis Building Department and Fire Department.
Simple storm prep checklist
- Make a load list. Prioritize well and sump pumps, heat, refrigeration, lighting, and medical devices.
- Talk to the town early. Confirm permits, inspections, and any fuel storage rules.
- Get three quotes. Require a NH‑licensed electrician and a written scope that lists unit size, transfer switch, pad, fuel line or tank, labor, and inspections.
- Install CO alarms. Test them monthly and replace per manufacturer guidance.
- Stock safe fuel. Use approved containers and store outside living areas.
- Practice startup. Review your transfer procedure before the first storm.
- During an outage. Report the outage to your utility, keep generators outdoors and isolated with a transfer device, and avoid downed lines.
- After an outage. Inspect cords, change oil per schedule, and log run hours for maintenance and warranty.
Backup power and resale
In outage‑prone areas, a permitted standby generator can be a selling point for buyers. Keep your paperwork together. Save permits, final inspections, maintenance logs, and any transferable warranties so you can show clear value when you list.
When you are planning upgrades that improve resilience and market appeal, it helps to have a local real estate partner who knows what resonates with Hollis buyers. For tailored advice on which projects to tackle before you sell, connect with Christensen Group, Inc..
FAQs
Do I need a permit in Hollis for a standby generator?
- Most permanent standby installations need permits and inspections; confirm specifics with the Hollis Building Department.
Who should install my transfer switch in Hollis?
- A New Hampshire‑licensed electrician should install and wire any transfer switch or interlock and arrange for inspections.
How far from the house should I place a generator?
- Keep portable units at least 10 feet from doors, windows, and vents, and follow manufacturer clearances for standby units per code.
Which fuel is best for Hollis homes?
- Propane is common and widely available, natural gas avoids on‑site storage where available, and diesel suits heavier use with proper tank logistics.
What size generator do I need for my Hollis home?
- Many homes use 13 to 25 kW standby units for essential circuits, while portable units cover a few key loads; confirm with an electrician’s load calculation.
How much does a whole‑house generator cost in Hollis?
- Many installed systems fall in the mid‑$6,000s to low‑$11,000s, with complex setups running higher; get written, line‑item local quotes.
