Boston electrical work, one call away

Permits, licenses and your utility

Before anyone opens a panel, ask for the electrician's license details and check them yourself. Massachusetts licenses electricians through the Board of State Examiners of Electricians, and you can check a license online. New service or meter work in Boston involves Eversource as well as the Inspectional Services Department.

Boston homes, up close

Nor'easters bring heavy snow and coastal flooding, and the Blizzard of 1978 is still the storm locals measure others against. The state's Mass Save program offers rebates and no-cost home energy assessments through the utilities.

Back Bay and the South End are lined with 19th-century brick and brownstone row houses, many of them split into condos. In multi-unit buildings each apartment usually has its own meter and panel, often in a shared basement. Know which panel is yours before the electrician arrives.

Ice storms and heavy snow bring outages. If you are thinking about a standby generator, an electrician can install the transfer switch it needs. West Roxbury and Hyde Park have more single-family houses on larger lots than the inner neighborhoods.

Before the visit

Label your breaker panel if it is not already, so the electrician can find circuits faster.

When it is time for a pro

Here is what Boston callers mention most:

• Buzzing from a panel or switch
• Need more outlets or a bigger panel
• Breakers that keep tripping

How the connection works

1. Tell us what is wrong and how urgent it is.
2. We match you with an independent electrician serving Boston.
3. The two of you settle on a time and a price, or you walk away.