Compare Local Pros
Oldtown Electric vs Platinum Electric
Sacramento Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Platinum Electric brings 17 years of licensed experience but lacks workers compensation insurance, while Oldtown Electric is newer with complete coverage.
| Oldtown Electric | Platinum Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 3 years | 17 years |
| License # | 1099728 | 925140 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Citrus Heights, CA | Orangevale, CA |
| Website | www.oldtownelectricinc.net | www.platinumelectricsac.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Oldtown Electric
Customers consistently highlight Oldtown Electric's educational approach, with technicians taking time to explain work, walk through installations, and ensure understanding of completed projects.
Platinum Electric
Customers emphasize Platinum Electric's efficiency and owner consistency, with return clients managing multiple properties and noting that the same experienced owner handles every job.
Key Takeaway: Oldtown receives specific praise for thorough explanations and communication during projects, while Platinum's feedback centers on efficient completion and the value of repeat business relationships with the veteran owner.
Customer Reviews
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.
Platinum Electric
I had an issue I wasn't able to resolve myself. Joe responded to my inquiry promptly, arrived when he said he would, and diagnosed and resolved my issue quickly. I will be using Platinum Electric mov...
I had the pleasure of working with Platinum Electric and was thoroughly impressed by the entire experience. The owner, Joe Fisher, demonstrated an exceptional level of integrity that's rare to see in ...
Joe showed up as scheduled and explained what was going to be done. The completed work looked nice. Cost was as quoted. I am very happy with the service.
Consider Oldtown Electric if...
- ✓ Your electrical system is straightforward and the project scope is clear—a standard panel upgrade, EV charger installation, or lighting work that doesn't require extensive troubleshooting.
- ✓ You prioritize having full insurance protection in place, particularly if you have concerns about contractor injury liability or your homeowner's policy has high deductibles.
- ✓ You value detailed explanations and an educational approach, as customers specifically mention Oldtown's technicians walking them through installations and options.
- ✓ You need versatility across project types, from bathroom fan installations to subpanel work, with a contractor who handles both simple repairs and complex installations.
Consider Platinum Electric if...
- ✓ Your project involves an older home with potential hidden issues, outdated wiring, or complicated electrical problems where 17 years of diagnostic experience provides real value.
- ✓ You're comfortable verifying your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries and accepting that responsibility, or you can confirm Platinum will obtain workers comp for your specific project.
- ✓ You manage multiple properties or anticipate ongoing electrical needs where building a relationship with an experienced veteran contractor offers long-term value.
- ✓ Your project timeline benefits from Platinum's efficient work completion and you appreciate the consistency of working directly with the same owner on every job.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Platinum Electric directly about workers compensation coverage and whether they can provide proof for your project, or confirm what your homeowner's insurance policy covers regarding contractor injuries and associated deductibles.
- → Ask Oldtown Electric for references from projects similar in complexity to yours, particularly if your work involves troubleshooting or older electrical systems.
- → Ask both contractors about their specific experience with your project type and how they've handled unexpected complications that arose during similar jobs.
- → Ask Platinum about their approach to ongoing code changes over 17 years and how they stay current with electrical standards and new technologies like EV chargers.
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Oldtown Electric represents the safer choice with complete insurance coverage, versatile project handling, and sufficient experience for standard residential electrical work. Their three years in business is enough for routine installations and upgrades, and you avoid any liability concerns. Choose Platinum Electric only if your project involves significant complexity—older homes with mysterious issues, extensive troubleshooting needs, or situations where 17 years of diagnostic experience provides clear advantage—and only after confirming your homeowner's insurance adequately covers contractor injuries. Don't let experience alone sway you if the project is straightforward; the insurance gap is a real financial consideration that affects your household risk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
That depends on your project complexity and risk tolerance. For challenging diagnostics in older homes or complicated upgrades, the experience gap is meaningful—Platinum has seen problems that didn't exist when Oldtown started. However, the liability exposure is real and financial. Check your homeowner's policy coverage and deductible before deciding if the experience advantage outweighs the insurance gap.
Three years is sufficient for standard residential panel upgrades, which follow established procedures and code requirements. Customer feedback confirms Oldtown successfully completes panel replacements and complex installations like subpanels. The risk isn't competence for routine work—it's encountering unusual complications where diagnostic experience matters most. Ask about their specific experience with panel upgrades in homes similar to yours.
If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers compensation, your homeowner's insurance may become the primary coverage, potentially leading to a claim that affects your rates. You could also face direct liability depending on circumstances and your policy. Before hiring Platinum, call your insurance agent to understand your exact exposure and whether the deductible makes this risk worthwhile for your project.
Get itemized quotes from both and compare not just the total but what's included. Both have feedback confirming quoted prices match final costs, which is positive. The value question isn't just price—it's whether Platinum's experience premium (if any) is worth it for your specific project complexity, balanced against Oldtown's complete insurance coverage providing additional protection.
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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 06, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
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