Before I start I want to say that this is my very first google review and it's reflects on the exceptional service that I received from D.R. Howell Electric.
When we decided to have a Generac Generator installed, D.R. Howell Electric was highly recommended by my brother in law who had one installed a few years ago by them. PS:( He is very meticulous and was very impressed with the qualty of the work.)
I had initially done the on-line calculation to determine the size of the generator which came out to a 24 KW, but taking into account that if I would have an electric vehicle in the future, the recommended size was a 26 KW.
I am providing the dates to show the timeline from consultation to installation.
Dean Howell came for the consultation on October 2, 2025, and after discussing with him on the size and location of the generator, he explained that because of a new electrical code requirement that had just been implemented one day ago, on October 1, 2025, the transfer switch could only be installed outside next to the service entry only if a new bonding cable could be installed in the same conduit as the power lines to the panel, approximately 30 feet away and under the garage floor to the basement service panel. It was decided to have the transfer switch intalled next to the electrical panel in the basement.
Later on the same day, October 2, 2025, I received a detailed estimate for the installation of a 26 KW Generac Generator.
As I would normally do, I had another company come for an estimate on October 7, 2025. This company specializes in Generator sales and installations and I was given contradictory information on the installation of a bonding cable as per the new requirements and I was provided an estimate for a 24 KW Generator that was over $900.00 more than D.R. Howell for a 26 KW.
Just to satisfy myself, I contacted the Electrical Safety Inspector for my area, and he confirmed that information that Dean Howell had provided was correct. He further stated that if the bonding cable was installed as the second company had suggested, it would not be approved and would have to be corrected.
On October 9, 2025, I cancelled a third consultation with another company and I accepted the proposal from D.R. Howell. I then received an email from Renée Vokey who started the file.
On October 10, 2025, Renée provided an installation date of November 4, 2025 and stated the the team would arrive around 7 am.
On November 4, 2025, Darren and Kyle arrived at 7 am and I showed Darren the site and discussed the installation with him. Both of them quickly went to work preparing everything before Hydro showed up at 10 am for the meter disconnect.
Renée took care of everything, Electrical permit and Hydro meter disconnect, Enbridge, Gas installer and registering the generator for the warranty. The only thing I had to do was dig a trench for the gas line installation.
As the work was progressing on November 4th, 2025, at 10:01 am, I received an email from Generac that my new generator had been registered and I qualified for Promotions and Offers.
The advertised warranty on the unit was 5 years but later that evening I received an email at 9.15 pm stating that I qualified for a warranty of 10 tears, (bonus).
After the installation was completed, Darren showed me how the generator worked, connected the unit to my wifi and proceeded with a test.
I want to thank the team at D.R. Howell again for a job well done and I would highly recommend to them anyone thinking of getting a Generac Generator.
VE
Victoria Evans
Oct 30, 2025
We had a partial backup Generac installed by D.R. Howell last week, and could not be happier with the results. The entire process, from consultation, to installation, to product registration, was exceptionally smooth. The team arrived precisely at the scheduled time, explained the work process in clear detail, and had the Generac installed in quick order. Every member of the D.R. Howell team that we worked with was highly professional and kind. By chance, we experienced a brief power outage this week and the Generac ran exactly as expected. I'd confidently recommend this company to family and friends.