Compare Local Pros
Main Stream Electric vs Oldtown Electric
Sacramento Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Main Stream Electric brings 18 years of licensing versus Oldtown Electric's 3 years, a meaningful difference in experience handling complicated electrical issues.
| Main Stream Electric | Oldtown Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.5 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 18 years | 3 years |
| License # | 912100 | 1099728 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Folsom, CA | Citrus Heights, CA |
| Website | www.callmainstream.com | www.oldtownelectricinc.net |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Main Stream Electric
Customers emphasize repeat business over multiple years and properties, suggesting sustained satisfaction and trust in Main Stream Electric's reliability and quality.
Oldtown Electric
Customers consistently highlight remarkably fast scheduling with same-day or next-day service, along with competitive pricing and thorough explanations during project completion.
Key Takeaway: Main Stream Electric has built long-term client relationships spanning years, while Oldtown Electric distinguishes itself through exceptional speed of service and pricing value that attracts new customers.
Customer Reviews
Main Stream Electric
I really appreciate the team's prompt service and professionalism in providing clear explanations, which helped us understand the situation better. Great job! I will definitely return to them for any ...
What a fantastic company! They immediately scheduled a free in-home consult for my re-wiring project. Estimator was able to visit just 2 days after I submitted my initial request. He spent over two ho...
Rick was professional and he and his team did a great job. Thanks!
Oldtown Electric
Old Town Electric did a fabulous job running power 400 feet from the service to our barn, installing a subpanel, 30 overhead lights in our covered arena and barn, light switches and plugs throughout,...
I am completely happy with Old Town Electric's service. Not only did they provide a competitive quote for my EV charger installation, they walked me through the app setup and explained the work they ...
Courteous and speedy, got the job done explained the issue well.
Consider Main Stream Electric if...
- ✓ Your home is older or has had previous electrical work by unknown contractors, where hidden issues are more likely to surface during inspection
- ✓ Your project involves commercial property or business environments where Main Stream Electric's commercial experience provides relevant expertise
- ✓ You're a property manager or investor who values building a long-term relationship with a contractor who has proven staying power over nearly two decades
- ✓ Your electrical issue is unusual or difficult to diagnose, benefiting from exposure to a wider range of problems over 18 years
Consider Oldtown Electric if...
- ✓ You need electrical work completed quickly and value same-day or next-day scheduling availability over maximum experience depth
- ✓ Your project is straightforward (EV charger installation, ceiling fan, outlet repairs) where 3 years of experience is fully adequate
- ✓ Pricing is a primary concern and you appreciate competitive quotes, as multiple customers specifically mention Oldtown's fair pricing
- ✓ You're undertaking a home remodel or recent purchase requiring electrical updates where Oldtown has demonstrated successful project completion
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Main Stream Electric about their typical response time for scheduling, since Oldtown's same-day availability is notably faster
- → Ask Oldtown Electric how they approach complex diagnostic situations and whether they consult with more experienced electricians when encountering unusual conditions
- → Request references from both companies for projects similar in scope and complexity to yours, particularly if your home is older or has a history of electrical modifications
The Bottom Line
Main Stream Electric is the safer choice for complex projects, older homes, or situations where you want maximum certainty that your contractor has seen and solved similar problems before. Their 18 years of licensing represents genuine depth of experience that matters when panel upgrades reveal hidden issues or diagnostic work requires pattern recognition from years of troubleshooting. However, Oldtown Electric offers compelling value for straightforward projects: their same-day scheduling, competitive pricing, and strong communication make them an excellent option when speed and cost matter more than maximum experience. For standard installations like EV chargers, lighting upgrades, or outlet repairs in newer homes, Oldtown's 3 years is fully adequate. Get quotes from both, but lean toward Main Stream Electric if your home is older than 30 years or has a history of electrical modifications.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
For a truly straightforward upgrade in a newer home with no complications, both contractors are qualified. However, panel upgrades in older homes frequently reveal unexpected issues like outdated wiring, insufficient grounding, or code violations that weren't apparent initially. Main Stream Electric's 18 years means they've encountered these surprises more often and can adapt quickly. If your home was built before 1990 or has had previous electrical work, that experience gap becomes more relevant.
Newer companies often price more competitively to build their customer base and reputation, while established companies may charge rates that reflect their longer track record. This doesn't mean Oldtown cuts corners—they carry the same insurance and bonding as Main Stream Electric. It suggests you might save money with Oldtown on standard projects, though you should still get quotes from both to compare specific pricing for your situation.
It depends on your project complexity and true urgency. For genuine emergencies or straightforward installations like EV chargers or ceiling fans, Oldtown's same-day availability is valuable and their 3 years is adequate. For complex diagnostics or work on older homes where complications are likely, it's worth waiting a few extra days for Main Stream Electric's deeper experience. Ask Main Stream Electric directly about their current availability—they may be able to accommodate urgent needs.
Main Stream Electric's repeat customers spanning multiple years suggest reliability and quality that keeps people coming back even when other options exist. Oldtown Electric's consistent praise for communication, speed, and pricing indicates strong customer service and value. If you're risk-averse and dealing with a complicated or high-value project, Main Stream Electric's veteran status provides more certainty. If you're budget-conscious with a standard project and tight timeline, Oldtown Electric offers compelling advantages.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top electrical contractors in Sacramento.
Other Sacramento Electrical Contractors Comparisons
How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 12, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.