THE BRINX BLOG
Straight answers
for Tri-Cities homes.
Prices, permits, rebates and what to expect, written by the electricians in Kennewick. Every post leads with the answer.
Quick answers
Checked against each source · Updated November 5, 2026
START HERE
Whole-home · 6 min read
Generator vs battery backup for Tri-Cities homes
How long each one runs, how it switches over, what it can power, and the transfer switch you need either way.
Updated November 5, 2026
Read the answer →Latest answers
Off-peak EV charging in the Tri-Cities: when to charge and why it matters
Charge 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Benton PUD's peak-hour demand charge, Richland's and Benton REA's charging rules, and how to set your schedule.
Updated Nov 2026 · 5 min read
Rebates & permitsEV charger rebates in the Tri-Cities (2026): Richland, Benton PUD and Benton REA
What each Tri-Cities utility pays for a home Level 2 charger, what it requires, and why the federal credit no longer applies.
Updated Oct 2026 · 5 min read
EV chargersBest Level 2 EV chargers for Tri-Cities homes: Tesla vs ChargePoint vs Emporia
Tesla Universal Wall Connector vs ChargePoint Home Flex vs Emporia: power, plugs, scheduling and rebate fit.
Updated Oct 2026 · 6 min read
Panels & serviceIs my panel big enough for an EV charger?
Often yes, even at 100 amps. How the load calculation works, and what to do if the numbers don't fit.
Updated Oct 2026 · 5 min read
Rebates & permitsDo you need a permit for an EV charger in Washington?
Yes for a Level 2 charger. Who pulls the permit, what the inspector checks, and why it matters for rebates.
Updated Oct 2026 · 4 min read
Browse by project
Got a question we haven’t answered?
Text us a photo of your panel and where you park. We’ll answer it, and it might become the next post.