How Much Does Electrical Work Cost in Putnam County? 2026 Price Guide

Electrical work in Putnam County runs 8-15% above national averages, which puts you in line with Dutchess County and well below Westchester. A 200-amp panel upgrade costs $1,600 to $4,000, depending on whether you need a service upgrade from NYSEG and how much of your home's wiring needs updating at the same time. Whole-house rewiring runs $9,500 to $20,000 for a typical 2,000-square-foot home.

Generators are common here, more so than in Westchester. Many homes are on well water, and power outages mean no water. A professionally installed standby generator costs $9,000 to $16,000, including the generator, transfer switch, gas line (if you're on propane), and electrical hookup. Portable generators are cheaper ($2,000 to $4,000 installed with a transfer switch), but they require manual startup and refueling.

The rural character of Putnam affects electrical work in specific ways. Older homes, especially in Cold Spring and parts of Kent, often have outdated wiring that needs upgrading before you can add new circuits. Power outages are more frequent than in suburban Westchester, which drives demand for backup power solutions.

Carmel and Mahopac have the most electricians, so you'll find competitive pricing and shorter lead times. A standard panel upgrade here runs $1,600 to $3,200, and you can usually get on the schedule within two to three weeks.

Brewster pricing is similar, but the contractor pool is smaller. Electricians who work here often also cover Dutchess County, so if you're flexible on timing, you might get a better rate when they're already in the area for another job.

Cold Spring and Philipstown have older housing stock, and many homes still have knob-and-tube wiring or undersized panels. Rewiring costs here run higher because access is often tight in older homes, and some electricians charge more for jobs that involve working in cramped attics or crawl spaces. Expect to pay $10,000 to $22,000 for a full rewire in this area.

Kent and Putnam Valley are the most rural, and generator installations are routine. Many electricians here specialize in backup power systems and propane hookups. Travel fees are possible, but most local electricians waive them if you're getting a major job done.

Electrical work can be done year-round, but generator installations are best scheduled in late summer or early fall. You want your backup power in place before winter storms hit. Demand spikes after major outages, so if you've been thinking about a generator, don't wait until the power goes out.

Panel upgrades and rewiring are easier to schedule in spring and summer. These jobs often tie into larger renovations (kitchens, bathrooms, additions), so planning ahead keeps your project on track.

If you're adding an EV charger, many electricians can install it within a week or two as long as your panel has capacity. If you need a panel upgrade first, add another two to four weeks for permitting and scheduling.

Frequently asked questions about electrical in Putnam County.