Advertiser Disclosure
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
10 best electricians in Santa Cruz, California
Megan SwinneyHome improvement writer
Megan Swinney is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. Drawing from her experiences gr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Join over 305 homeowners who have gotten a free quote in the past month.
We've ranked the top 10 electricians that operate within 50 miles of Santa Cruz. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
If you're dealing with electrical problems, such as fried outlets or flickering lights, an experienced electrician in Santa Cruz can determine the cause and recommend solutions.
Santa Cruz residents on average spend $128 each month on energy. If your bill has unexpectedly gone up without a change in your energy usage habits, it may indicate hidden electrical problems. By hiring an electrician to pinpoint areas of energy loss, you can receive professional advice on how to increase energy efficiency and lower your monthly bills.
It's not advisable to attempt to address electrical problems by yourself, as it can be extremely unsafe. Reputable electricians can repair the problem safely and properly. Choose one of the best electricians in Santa Cruz and have peace of mind knowing that the task will be done properly.
Find the best local electricians for you in Santa Cruz
Look for electricians in Santa Cruz with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.
Alpha Omega Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Fisher Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Stallings Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Direct Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Farrington Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Willow Glen Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Watson's Charging Stations & Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Dalcon Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Drummond Electric Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
IBEW 234
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional electrical companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
JMC Electrical Services
QuickCall Electricians San Jose
A1 Electricians San Jose
Reliable Electrician Company
What services can you hire an electrician to perform?
Electricians carry out several services. Some specialize in new home builds, while others focus on home projects. Here are a few services electricians provide:
- New electrical systems: Electricians can install a new electrical system that is up to code and meets your home's needs. Hiring a professional to install a new electrical system is the safest option. If you try to do it yourself, you risk electrocution and damage to your home’s electrical systems.
- Electrical repairs: Electricians can identify and repair electrical issues, such as faulty sockets or wiring, regularly tripped circuit breakers, flickering lights and appliance shocks.
- Whole-house services: An electrician may need to rewire your whole home to update the wiring and improve safety, functionality and energy efficiency.
- Surge protection: Power surges can harm your wiring and fry electronics and appliances. While individual surge protectors may help, an electrician can install surge protection that covers your whole home.
- Emergency services: Emergency electricians provide 24/7 services in case of an electrical emergency. Signs of an electrical emergency include burnt outlets, hot service panels, noisy breaker boxes, power outages, and sparking or smoking outlets. Having an emergency electrician's number handy can give you peace of mind.
In case of an emergency, cut off your breaker if it's safe to do so. Smother an electrical fire with a fire blanket, baking soda or a heavy item of clothing, or put it out with a fire extinguisher. Do not attempt to douse it with water — you could be electrocuted. If you can't put out the fire, evacuate the premises and call 911.
Electrician licensing in Santa Cruz
To be sure that your electrician is certified, confirm that they have a valid license as mandated by your state's specific licensing requirements. Also, confirm that they have proper insurance coverage and bonds. Santa Cruz electricians must hold an Electrical Contractor license from the California Contractors State License Board. They may also be subject to local licensing regulations, so check with your municipality.
How do you choose the best electrician in Santa Cruz?
You may have a hard time finding an electrician that can complete the job properly without costing too much. Consider the following tips to help narrow your choices.
Make sure the company or individual is licensed and insured
Always check that the electrician has an active license as mandated by your state or municipal licensing body's requirements. Licensed electricians have to take continued education sessions to keep their license, so they should understand current local building codes and safety procedures. The business or specialist should also be bonded and insured, including workers compensation insurance.
Get a free estimate
Electricians typically offer free quotes but may need to charge their hourly rate for a whole-home inspection first. To avoid unexpected charges, ask your electrician how long the inspection will take. The electrician should share their recommendations and an estimate once the inspection is completed. If you're not completely happy with an electrician's recommended approach or prices, gather estimates from several candidates to compare your choices.
Ask about timelines
Get information about the duration and start date of the work from your electrician. High-quality electricians are highly sought after and can be contracted out for months. If you have a tight schedule or need emergency electrician services, you might have to choose a different provider if your preferred electrician isn't accepting appointments. Flexibility in your schedule will be an advantage when looking for electricians.
Inquire about safety measures
Electrical work carries risks, so ask your electrician what safety protocols they follow. Electricians are mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to wear protective clothing and equipment, such as a protective helmet, insulated gloves, and foot and eye protection. If you observe that your electrical technician isn't following proper safety procedures, reach out to a different provider.
Ask for references and read homeowner reviews
Consult friends, family and neighbors for electrician recommendations, and browse online reviews to evaluate customer satisfaction. Keep an eye out for repeated complaints, especially about poor safety measures or low work quality.
Facts about Santa Cruz
Average High during Winter
Median Year Home Built
Energy facts in Santa Cruz
Listed below are a few facts about energy use in Santa Cruz:
- Data gathered by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Department of Energy shows that Santa Cruz residents pay around $128 on their energy bill each month.
- Compared to other U.S. cities, Santa Cruz residents use a low amount of energy.
- Santa Cruz is listed as part of the South-Central Energy Star climate zone. Using Energy Star products appropriate for your climate zone can improve energy efficiency in your home.
- The EIA reports that 50% of the energy allocated to a U.S. household goes to heating and air conditioning and 25% goes to water heating, refrigeration and lighting.
Best electricians for you
Experts Ready to Help
Our methodology for selecting electricians
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
Choosing the right furnace depends on your budget, climate, home configuration and more. Here’s what you need to know about electric furnaces versus gas.
hvacApr. 4
Switching electricity providers in Texas doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what you need to know before taking advantage of living in a deregulated area.
energyApr. 26
There are two main types of heating systems: radiant heaters and forced-air heaters. We explain how both types work and which is best for you.
hvacMay 3
The cost of vinyl plank flooring is $4 to $12 per sq/ft when professionally installed. Most homeowners pay between $5.50 and $8.00 per sq/ft
flooringMay 17