Who Are Canada’s Top Temporary Power Equipment Companies?

Temporary power equipment supplies electricity during a project, bridging the gap between the start of a job and permanent, grid-connected energy generation. If you are planning a remote job or looking for emergency backup power solutions, these systems are critical.

Renting equipment is a strategic choice. Whether you are completing a construction, demolition or renovation project, you do not need to spend capital or pay for repairs, ensuring you finish on time and under budget. Portable solutions you buy outright are also beneficial, as you can easily store, transport and deploy them at each new jobsite.

The Top Temporary Power Equipment Suppliers

While not all of these suppliers are headquartered in Canada, they either have branches here or offer cross-border transportation services. Each company offers industry experience, inventory variety and value-added services, making them the best options in the country.

1.   Trinity Power

Established in 1998, Trinity Power has decades of experience with complex projects and tight deadlines. Originally a multigenerational family business, it has grown into a concept-to-completion solutions provider with roots in high-quality, personal service. It delivers tailored, turnkey solutions to construction companies.

The team works with you to design a project-specific solution for planned jobs or emergencies. It acts as a single point of contact across the entire project scope, with project managers available 24/7. With an extensive network of vendors and inventory across North America, it guarantees you will receive the right equipment for the job.

Its temporary power equipment is easy to use and ready to deploy. It carries a wide selection, including diesel and natural gas generators, cables and accessories, low and medium voltage transformers, voltage distribution and protection, and other electrical distribution and testing systems. For rapid setup, it offers a packaged substation — a factory-assembled, prewired unit.

2.   Cummins

Global power technology leader Cummins was founded in 1919, giving it over a century of industry experience at scale. Its Integrated power solutions are backed by extensive technical expertise. With over 9,000 service locations worldwide, it has one of the industry’s largest global and local support networks.

Its generator sets are 100% factory-built exclusively with Cummins components to meet rigorous emission standards. As evidence of its commitment to sustainability, it was the first equipment manufacturer to receive a Tier 4 Final certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the first to offer a full range of Tier 4i-certified generators.

There are eight models available in North America, ranging from 12 kVA to 1,250 kVA. The company will tailor them to your jobsite’s needs. For ongoing service and support, you will rely on a dedicated local contact. Its aftermarket capabilities are provided through a global network of service technicians and part distributors. It owns and controls its entire distributor network.

3.   RESA Power

Nationally scaled RESA Power has 50 locations in North America, roughly one dozen of which are in Canada. It has delivered thousands of products to commercial and industrial sectors since its founding in 2003. For over a decade, it has offered testing and engineering services, including preventive maintenance, infrared inspections and voltage diagnostics.

You can customize its power solutions to your jobsite. The production team meets tight timelines, shipping most products within one to two weeks of order placement. If you order a standard, in-stock configuration, it will be delivered in two weeks. It understands that your temporary power needs can change, so it is flexible with change orders.

It carries hundreds of new, surplus and hard-to-find hardware for complex electrical systems, including mobile skids, switchboards, panels, transformers and load breaks. It can remanufacture items to your design specifications. All reconditioned items have been professionally tested and certified.

4.   Total Power

Total Power is part of Total PowerGen Solutions, a group of companies with over 100 years of combined experience providing power solutions across Canada. Its field technicians have over 400 years of combined experience, having completed 10,000 projects across dozens of industries and performed 120,000 service calls each year.

It offers 24/7 rental delivery across Ontario. Since it stocks over 65,000 parts, it can quickly respond to emergencies. Its service trucks come fully equipped with factory-trained technicians and an extensive assortment of repair parts. For systems beyond repair, it can provide a temporary replacement unit.

It offers hundreds of rental generators ranging from 15 kW to 2,000 kW. It also stocks load banks of all sizes and types and has a large variety of transformers and automatic transfer switches. All rental equipment is ready for delivery at a moment’s notice and includes all necessary cables and accessories.

5.   Aggreko

The Aggreko engineers design, install and maintain power solutions across Canada, offering local support and nationwide delivery. It has over 200 locations spanning upward of 75 countries. It has had a presence in Canada since 1990. With more than 6,900 employees, the team brings localized expertise and personal service.

All hardware is engineered for the country’s climate, enabling it to withstand the harsh weather and temperatures at remote jobsites. You can still tailor it to meet the unique needs of your industry, application and location. If you are concerned about vandalism or theft, you can request that your generators be disguised as generic construction containers.

In addition to generators, the company offers battery energy storage systems, electrical distribution equipment and supplemental power generation systems. You can establish a microgrid wherever your work takes you. With 24/7, 365 remote monitoring, the team can address technical issues as they arise, ensuring you stay up and running wherever you are.

6.   Hybrid Power Solutions

Unlike the other companies on this list, Hybrid Power Solutions does not rent equipment. Instead, it delivers portable power solutions that are cleaner and quieter than many alternatives on the market. Compared to conventional diesel generators, they can save you up to 90% on operational costs.

The Batt Pack Energy generates 3,000W to 7,000W of continuous electricity, while the Terra system is a fuel-free backup power solution. The former is ideal for smaller jobs at remote jobsites, while the latter is ideal for large-scale applications. They can connect to diesel generators, solar panels or power grids.

These modular, portable systems are engineered and assembled here in Canada. They are rated down to minus 30° Celsius, ensuring they act as reliable power sources in harsh, rugged conditions. When you are away from the site, you can use the provided weatherproof tablet for remote monitoring. If you need support, the team will respond within 90 minutes.

7.   Cross Country Canada Supplies & Rentals

While Cross Country Canada Supplies & Rentals’ roots date back to 2014, its story starts in 2021 when it returned to its Canadian roots after being acquired by a U.S. business. What started as a small venture based in a garage became a large company with a rental fleet of over 1,000, an inventory of over 1 million parts and seven warehouses across Western Canada.

Its line of power equipment includes portable and vehicle-mounted generators that range from 1,000W to 10,000W. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and operate for extended hours. For projects that go late into the night or are located in remote areas, they can rent light towers and fuel tanks.

It also supplies additional construction equipment rentals, including heavy equipment, pipeline equipment and diesel pumps. It even supplies specialty solutions, such as an autonomous crane load stabilizer and mobile warehouses. If you need other rental solutions, this company can serve as a one-stop shop.

What Differentiates These Equipment Suppliers?

These are among the largest and best-equipped temporary power equipment providers in North America. They can provide generation, distribution and storage equipment aligned with your space, fuel, compliance and capacity requirements.

Although they all have similar offerings, their inventories and capabilities vary considerably. To decide which is best for your business, compare their core offerings, technical support and value-added services.

Key Questions to Ask a Potential Power Partner

Inventory availability should be at the forefront of your mind, as your temporary power needs can change rapidly. Ask suppliers which parts they have in stock and how quickly they ship. Finding out how long shipping takes and whether the company handles cross-border transportation — if based outside Canada — is essential for keeping timelines on track.

If you plan on ordering a tailored solution, inquire whether the rental company offers flexible change orders. Can you make changes right up until the parts ship? If your voltage needs change mid-project, can you easily request additional equipment?

Your next question should be about contract length. Ask if they are flexible or fixed-length. If a project wraps up early or gets delayed, flexibility will be extremely convenient. Ideally, the provider has various short and long-term rental agreements for new construction sites, reconstruction, seasonal programs and natural disasters.

Whether you rent new, surplus or remanufactured hardware, it should be rugged, robust and designed for Canada’s climate. Whether you are constructing a tunnel in the city or a residential cabin in the remote wilderness, your systems must withstand low temperatures and harsh construction site conditions.

Even the most rugged equipment can fail. Warranties can help get you back up and running while avoiding cost overruns. While you are rarely required to purchase a separate warranty for rental equipment — companies typically provide a standard warranty covering mechanical failure or manufacturing defects — the scope can vary widely.

Getting an Accurate Quote for Your Next Project

Determine your equipment needs by calculating your project’s total power load. List all hardware, tools and lighting along with voltage and amperage. If your project is too large or your equipment needs vary, you can work directly with your prospective supplier to design a tailored solution.

Conduct a preliminary site visit or review aerial imagery to decide where your hardware will go. The size of your space may complicate things, potentially increasing costs. If you are working in a small, crowded area, positioning equipment could require extensive planning. Again, you can reach out to prospective suppliers for assistance. They are experts, after all.

Once you receive a quote, clarify whether it covers all costs or just the rental fee. Will you have to pay for warranties, installation labor, cross-border transportation, emergency service calls or fueling? A comprehensive knowledge of fees can help you compare quotes.

If the business offers 24/7 support, determine whether it is included in the up-front estimate or is an additional cost. On the one hand, you may not want to pay extra for a service you may not need. On the other hand, knowing you can call on expert technicians at a moment’s notice grants peace of mind.

Even if you are sure about your choice, it is strategically sound to request bids from multiple businesses to see which is the most cost-effective. Choosing the cheapest may not be the best option, as you must consider additional fees, technician experience and value-added services.

Choosing a Temporary Power Rental Solution

Whether you construct a 50-story high-rise, an underground pipeline or a manufacturing facility, you need temporary power equipment. Rental companies can help. When you work with these suppliers, you are not stuck with hardware — which is often tailored to a specific jobsite — after completing a job. Some do allow you to purchase it outright with a guaranteed buyback option.

Base your decision on the company’s reputation, the technicians’ experience and the inventory variety. While some of the best power equipment rental providers offer only generators, others supply every piece of hardware you could need.