Areas served: Charlottesville, VA and surrounding Albemarle County
Charlottesville's electrical service landscape includes both residential specialists serving the historic neighborhoods near the University of Virginia and commercial contractors working on larger projects throughout Albemarle County. Local electricians must navigate a mix of older homes built before modern code requirements and newer construction in developing areas like Hollymead and Crozet. This directory provides detailed comparisons of licensed electricians in the Charlottesville area, evaluated on factors including response time, service capabilities, emergency availability, and pricing transparency.
Michael & Son Services is a full-service home care company serving Charlottesville and surrounding Virginia communities since 1976. With 500+ service trucks on the road and NATE-certified technicians available 24/7, they handle everything from emergency AC repairs and furnace installations to drain cleaning, electrical panel upgrades, and water damage restoration. Their Membership Plan offers priority service and exclusive repair savings, and they've earned 4.8 stars from over 3,000 Google reviews for their upfront pricing and reliability.
“I have used Michael & Sons once for electrical which was an excellent experience. At that time I bought a service contract which included maintenance. Today they checked my heating and cooling system. Turned out I had something that needed replacing. So glad to catch the problem early. My service tech was excellent, very friendly and professional. So pleased to find a family owned company to take care of my electrical, heating and plumbing needs. I highly recommend this company!”
— Eileen Spence, Google Review · 4.8 ★ avg from 3065 reviewsAlbemarle Heating & Air has been serving Charlottesville and surrounding counties since 1988 with comprehensive HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality services. This locally-owned company employs fully licensed, trained technicians who service all makes and models of heating, cooling, and plumbing systems. With a 4.9-star rating from over 2,200 Google reviews, they're known for punctual service, upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency availability, and a customer-first approach that prioritizes health, safety, and comfort. Their team handles everything from routine maintenance and repairs to full system installations, plus specialized services like whole-home air purification, dehumidification, and water heater replacement.
“We’ve used AHA for years and they’ve always been great. Chris and Denis came by today and helped fix a simple problem for me. They were super nice and very efficient. They took the time to explain how my dehumidifier works so I can address some basic maintenance myself.”
— Emily Daniel, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 2178 reviewsRobertson Electric is a full-service HVAC, electrical, and plumbing company serving Charlottesville, VA since 1968. With a 4.8-star rating across 1,189 reviews, they're known for prompt same-day appointments, expert technicians, and transparent communication. Their longevity and local awards reflect their commitment to treating customers like family.
Beck Cohen is a highly-rated electrical service provider in Charlottesville, VA, with an impressive 4.9-star rating from over 1,500 reviews. They offer comprehensive electrical services for residential and commercial clients, handling everything from routine maintenance to complex installations and repairs.
W.E. Brown is a full-service home comfort company with over 100 years of experience serving Charlottesville and Albemarle County. They provide electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and smart home technology services with a 4.8-star rating from 540 reviews. Their legacy of expertise combined with pioneering new technologies makes them a trusted partner for comprehensive home system needs.
Fitch Services is a locally owned and operated provider of heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical services in Charlottesville, serving the area since 1983. Founded and led by John Fitch and his son Christopher Fitch—both Virginia-licensed Master Electricians, Master HVAC Technicians, and Master Plumbers—the company is known for completing most repairs on the first visit with fully stocked trucks and expert technicians who receive annual training. They offer 24/7 emergency service and free second opinions on major projects.
Just Better Home Services is a locally owned and operated provider of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services serving Charlottesville, Ruckersville, and Central Virginia for over 10 years. Their licensed and fully insured technicians deliver fast, reliable repairs with a focus on honest communication and workmanship done right the first time. They offer emergency service availability and have earned a 4.7-star rating from over 600 customers.
Kennedy Electric is a highly-rated, locally-owned electrical contractor serving Crozet and Waynesboro, VA with 24/7 emergency services and expertise in residential, commercial, and agricultural work. Run by experienced technicians who prioritize safety, quality, and customer care, they've earned a 4.9-star rating for responsive service, fair pricing, and going above and beyond for clients. From generator installations to full remodels, Kennedy Electric handles everything from routine maintenance to complex electrical projects.
Rose Electric is a fully licensed and insured electrical contractor serving the Palmyra and Charlottesville area, led by master electrician Liam. They specialize in residential electrical installations, panel upgrades, EV charger installations, and multifamily projects, with a reputation for delivering quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service backed by a 4.9-star rating.
Design Electric, Inc. has been serving Charlottesville since 1982, specializing in commercial and industrial electrical services. They handle complex projects for healthcare facilities, universities, and major construction firms, bringing decades of experience and a commitment to safety, collaboration, and innovation to every job.
Rexel Charlottesville is a wholesale electrical supply distributor serving commercial, industrial, and residential electricians with a full range of products including wire, lighting, control systems, and tools. The experienced team offers same-day shipping on orders placed by 2:00 pm, along with in-store counter service and Will Call options. As part of the national Rexel USA network, they provide professional-grade electrical supplies and inventory management support.
Moore's Electrical & Mechanical is a full-service commercial and industrial electrical and mechanical contractor serving Charlottesville and Central Virginia. They specialize in commercial HVAC solutions, electrical services, building automation, infrared thermography, and planned maintenance designed to keep businesses operating efficiently year-round. With emergency service availability and expertise across mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems, they serve as a comprehensive partner for facility management needs.
Piedmont Electrical Service is a Virginia Class A licensed electrical contractor led by a Master Electrician, serving Charlottesville and Central Virginia with residential and light commercial electrical work. They specialize in troubleshooting, repairs, panel upgrades, and generator installations, with same-day service available for urgent repairs. Their commitment to code-compliant, professional work with clear communication sets them apart in the local market.
B & B Electric is a family-owned electrical contractor established in 1981, serving commercial, industrial, residential, and institutional clients across Metro-Richmond, Charlottesville, and Northern Virginia. With 500+ projects completed in the past decade, they provide comprehensive services from design and construction to ongoing maintenance, backed by long-standing relationships with local engineers and a reputation for quality workmanship.
Maurice Electrical Supply is an electrical supply distributor serving the Charlottesville area from their Pantops Center location. They stock electrical products and materials for contractors and businesses, with convenient weekday hours and online ordering options. The company offers customer service support, credit programs, and a mobile app for easy access to inventory and order management.
Quality Electric LLC is a locally-owned electrical contractor serving the Charlottesville area. They handle residential and commercial electrical work, from installations to repairs and maintenance. With a 3.4-star rating based on customer reviews, they bring hands-on experience to projects in the region.
Safe-Way Electric Inc is a licensed electrical contractor serving Charlottesville and surrounding areas. Based at 514 Brookway Dr, they handle residential and commercial electrical work with a focus on reliable service and customer satisfaction.
JW Hawkins Electrical is a licensed and insured electrical contractor serving Charlottesville and Albemarle County, specializing in EV charger installation, pool and hot tub wiring, standby generators, and outdoor lighting. Their detail-oriented approach combines general electrical services with expertise in complex, high-demand installations, ensuring every project meets manufacturer and regulatory standards.
Albemarle Heating & Air ranks #1 with a Lantern Score of 95/100 and an impressive 4.9-star rating from over 2,178 reviews. While primarily known as an HVAC specialist, they've served Charlottesville since 1988 as a locally-owned company offering comprehensive home services. For dedicated electrical specialists, Beck Cohen (Lantern Score 82/100) maintains a 4.9-star rating across 1,552 reviews and focuses specifically on electrical contracting with decades of local expertise.
Seven electricians offer weekend service in Charlottesville. Michael & Son Services, Just Better Home Services, Robertson Electric, Fitch Services, and Kennedy Electric all operate 24/7 including full weekend hours. Albemarle Heating & Air is open Saturdays 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, while JW Hawkins Electrical offers Saturday 7:00 AM–5:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM–3:00 PM service. This represents approximately 39% of the market, giving homeowners solid weekend emergency options.
Three electricians share perfect 5.0-star ratings: Piedmont Electrical Service (3 reviews), Maurice Electrical Supply (2 reviews), and Safe-Way Electric Inc (2 reviews). Among businesses with substantial review volume, Beck Cohen and Kennedy Electric both maintain 4.9-star ratings with 1,552 and 60 reviews respectively. Albemarle Heating & Air also holds 4.9 stars with an exceptional 2,178 reviews, while Robertson Electric and Fitch Services maintain 4.8 stars with over 1,000 and 350 reviews respectively.
Five major providers offer round-the-clock emergency electrical service: Michael & Son Services operates 500+ service trucks 24/7, Just Better Home Services provides 24/7 emergency response, Robertson Electric offers same-day emergency service around the clock, Fitch Services has provided emergency service since 1983, and Kennedy Electric specializes in 24/7 emergency response. These companies represent the most established options for urgent electrical issues like power outages, panel failures, or electrical hazards.
Design Electric, Inc. leads commercial specialization, serving Charlottesville since 1982 with focus on healthcare facilities, universities, and industrial projects (4.5 stars, 14 reviews). Moore's Electrical & Mechanical specializes in commercial HVAC and electrical for businesses and industrial facilities. B & B Electric, established in 1981, serves commercial, industrial, and institutional clients across Metro-Richmond and Charlottesville. For businesses needing both residential and commercial capability, Fitch Services and Michael & Son Services offer comprehensive commercial electrical alongside their residential work.
Several contractors serve broader Central Virginia: Robertson Electric covers Charlottesville and surrounding areas since 1968, W.E. Brown serves Albemarle County with over 100 years of experience, Just Better Home Services covers Ruckersville and Central Virginia, Kennedy Electric specifically serves Crozet and Waynesboro alongside Charlottesville, and B & B Electric covers Metro-Richmond, Charlottesville, and Northern Virginia. Rose Electric serves the Palmyra and Charlottesville area, while Piedmont Electrical Service covers Central Virginia broadly.
Dedicated electrical contractors like Beck Cohen, Kennedy Electric, and Piedmont Electrical Service focus exclusively on electrical work, offering deep specialization in panel upgrades, rewiring, and code compliance. Multi-service companies like Michael & Son, Robertson Electric, and Fitch Services provide electrical alongside HVAC and plumbing, which benefits homeowners who need coordinated home systems work or prefer a single company relationship. For complex electrical projects like whole-home rewiring or commercial installations, specialists often bring more focused expertise. For general repairs or homes needing multiple trades, multi-service providers offer convenience and integrated solutions.
While specific pricing isn't listed for Charlottesville electricians, typical electrical service costs in Virginia include: service calls ($75-150), outlet or switch installation ($100-200 per unit), ceiling fan installation ($150-400), electrical panel upgrades ($1,500-3,500), whole-house rewiring ($3,000-10,000+ depending on size), and EV charger installation ($500-2,500 depending on electrical capacity and distance from panel). Emergency service typically costs 1.5-2x standard rates. Many Charlottesville providers like Michael & Son and Fitch Services offer upfront pricing and free estimates. Always get multiple quotes for major projects like panel upgrades or generators.
Yes, Virginia requires licensed electricians for most electrical work beyond simple tasks like replacing light bulbs or outlets (with power off). Virginia has tiered licensing: Journeyman Electricians work under supervision, Master Electricians can work independently and supervise others, and Class A Contractors can pull permits and run electrical contracting businesses. All Charlottesville electricians listed are properly licensed, with some like Fitch Services led by Master Electricians. Using licensed professionals ensures code compliance, safety, and validity of permits required for insurance and home sales. DIY electrical work risks code violations, insurance claim denials, and serious safety hazards.
Most full-service Charlottesville electricians handle residential repairs (outlets, switches, lighting), electrical panel upgrades and replacements, circuit installations, whole-home rewiring, generator installation and maintenance, EV charger installation, surge protection, ceiling fan installation, and electrical inspections. Specialists like Kennedy Electric also serve agricultural properties with specialized needs. Commercial providers like Design Electric handle tenant fit-outs, industrial controls, and complex systems. Several companies including JW Hawkins and Rose Electric specifically advertise EV charger installation expertise, reflecting growing demand for home charging infrastructure.
Same-day and emergency response is widely available. Michael & Son Services emphasizes same-day service with 500+ trucks on the road. Robertson Electric is known for responsive same-day service and has operated since 1968. Kennedy Electric and Fitch Services both offer 24/7 emergency response for urgent situations. For true emergencies like electrical fires, sparking outlets, or complete power loss, these companies typically respond within 1-4 hours. For urgent but non-emergency issues like partial outages or tripped breakers, same-day or next-day service is standard. Weekend availability from seven providers means you're not waiting until Monday for urgent Friday issues.
Panel repair addresses specific component failures like worn breakers, loose connections, or bus bar issues, typically costing $200-800. Panel replacement ($1,500-3,500) involves installing an entirely new electrical service panel and is necessary when: panels are outdated (Federal Pacific, Zinsco brands are fire hazards), you're adding major appliances or EV chargers requiring more capacity, upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service, or panels show rust, corrosion, or burn marks. Many Charlottesville homes built before 1990 have undersized panels for modern electrical demands. Electricians like Beck Cohen, W.E. Brown, and Rose Electric specialize in panel upgrades, which often requires utility coordination and permits.
Maintenance plans (offered by providers like Robertson Electric and W.E. Brown) typically cost $150-400 annually and include annual electrical safety inspections, priority emergency service, discounted repair rates, and early detection of hazards like loose connections or overloaded circuits. These plans make sense for older homes (pre-1980), homes with known electrical issues, properties with high-value electronics, or if you have critical systems like medical equipment. For newer homes with modern electrical systems and no issues, maintenance plans are optional. The value lies primarily in priority service and catching small issues before they become expensive emergencies or safety hazards.
Essential questions include: Are you licensed and insured in Virginia (verify Master Electrician or Class A license), do you provide free estimates and upfront pricing, what's your warranty on labor and materials (typically 1-2 years), can you provide local references, will you pull necessary permits, what's your typical response time for emergencies, and do you employ background-checked technicians. For major projects like panel upgrades or rewiring, ask about project timeline, whether they'll handle utility coordination, if they guarantee code compliance, and how they'll protect your home during work. Companies like Beck Cohen with 1,552 reviews and decades of local presence offer proven track records you can verify.
Yes, several Charlottesville electricians specifically advertise EV charger expertise. JW Hawkins Electrical lists EV charger installation as a primary specialty alongside pool wiring and generators. Rose Electric also highlights EV charger installation capability. Most full-service residential electricians including Beck Cohen, Robertson Electric, and Fitch Services can install Level 2 home chargers, which require 240-volt circuits similar to electric dryers. Installation typically involves running a dedicated 40-50 amp circuit from your panel to the garage, mounting the charger, and potentially upgrading your electrical panel if insufficient capacity exists. Expect $500-2,500 total depending on distance from panel and any necessary panel upgrades.