Service Champions (formerly Maine Electric, Inc.) is committed to safety. That’s why its electricians participate in weekly safety and training sessions and take ongoing courses in the latest technology. And all its technicians are fully certified electricians as required by California law.

Service Champions starts building trust with its customers from their first interaction. The company’s uniformed technicians show up on time, and they’re committed to protecting customers’ homes by laying down floor mats so they don’t track in dirt, putting down drop cloths inside the home and wearing floor-saving boot covers during the entire visit. Before they leave, Service Champions’ employees clean up by using their own company vacuum cleaners.

Straightforward pricing is another hallmark of Service Champions. Some electricians take advantage of customers by charging more than their initial bid, purposely adding on charges to increase their earnings, but Service Champions’ process–and integrity–eliminates this issue entirely. “We explain our pricing before any work begins,” says General Manager Scott Mamola. “We also have a flat-rate system based on the exact job, so there are no surprises.”

When it comes to warranties, Service Champions stands behind its work. “Our clients are 100% satisfied or they don’t pay,” says Mr. Mamola. “All of our work is covered by our Two-Year Risk-Free Guarantee, and our No-Lemon Guarantee covers our electrical panels for 10 full years after installation. We also give free light bulbs for life, which means that when we install new lighting, we will supply free light bulbs for as long as you own your home. Rather than going to the hardware store and climbing up on a ladder to replace a bulb, you just make a phone call and we do it for you, for free.”

Service Champions wants to protect its clients’ families, so it offers a signature Home Protection Plan that includes:
• Annual home safety inspections by state-certified electricians
• Comprehensive reports on the condition of the home’s current electrical system and any recommended upgrades and repairs
• 10% off all recommended products and electrical services
• Priority electrical repairs and services
• Exclusive special offers and discounts

When it comes to choosing an electrician, think safety first. Electrical work can put your home and your family in danger if it’s not done right, so it’s important to pick an electrical contractor who is safe, knowledgeable, and skilled in electric repairs and installations. Unlike other service industries that may require only the principal of the company to be licensed, all electrical contractors must be certified by the state of California in order to do electrical repairs and new electrical installations.

There are some considerations you should take into account when choosing your electrician. “There are a lot of people who say they know how to do certain electrical tasks, but a qualified electrician has to be certified and licensed to do the work,” explains Scott Mamola, general manager of Service Champions (formerly Maine Electric, Inc.). “The industry is constantly being fueled by handymen and people who work out of the back of their truck, so it’s also smart to consider whether your contractor will be around in the future if you need follow-up service or warranty work.”

If you’re living in an older home, expert electricians can make your home safer. “Older homes usually have older wiring, and that can cause fire hazards,” says Mr. Mamola. “A qualified electrician can install arc fault protection breakers that recognize the types of sparks that represent hazards and shuts off the power to protect homeowners and their property.”

When it comes to cutting-edge electrical technology, only a certified electrician can get you the newest, safest innovations. “Most people sleep right through a traditional smoke alarm, but with voice-capable alarms, you can record your voice on them and it’s more effective at waking up your loved ones,” says Mr. Mamola. He adds that an electrician can make life safer with other tools, including child-safe outlets and ground fault detection devices.

Q: What if I need emergency electrical service?

A: A live person answers our phones at all times, 24/7. We even have an after-hours emergency phone number, (925) 443-3377, so you can get help fast.

Q: I’m nervous about having workers in my home. Should I be concerned?

A: We never use subcontractors, so all of our electricians are employees who have been with our company since we started in 2004. Our electricians have all passed background checks, random drug testing and have clean DMV licenses. They’re state certified journeymen electricians, are uniformed and wear ID badges for safety.

Q: What if I want to know how much the job will cost before you do any work?

A: You’ll be glad to know we don’t charge an hourly rate. Instead, we have flat pricing that’s based on the job. Our prices are competitive and are well worth the service we give. And the best part is you’ll know exactly how much the job will cost upfront.

Q: What if one of your employees is injured on my property or damages something in my home?

A: We are licensed, bonded, insured, and have workers’ compensation insurance that covers our employees. Electrical work is what we do 100% of the time. We know what we’re doing and we know how to do it safely, so you don’t have to worry. And we know how to take care of our customers’ homes. We use entry carpets before we enter the premises, and we put down drop cloths and wear boot covers while we’re in customer homes. All of our technicians even carry vacuums in their vehicles so they leave your home clean.

Q: You also do solar installations. Why should I go solar?

A: The benefit of solar is controlling your investment in electricity now and in the future. With solar, you’re conserving energy. And because prices will always go up, you’re also controlling the price of your energy so that it stays at one level.