Generator Safety: A Shared
Responsibility During Outages
OUTAGES CAN BE inconvenient, and for many Hamilton County Electric Cooperative members, portable or standby generators provide a valuable source of temporary electricity. But while generators can help keep homes and businesses running, they also come with serious safety responsibilities that should never be overlooked.
The most important step when operating a generator is to notify Hamilton County EC. This simple action can prevent accidents and save lives.
Additionally, the cooperative requires members to apply for approval and sign an interconnection agreement before installing any distributed generation equipment—such as solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage systems or generators—that connects to or runs parallel with the cooperative’s electrical system.
This process involves submitting an application with detailed plans, undergoing a review by the cooperative and signing a formal agreement. These measures ensure that all installations meet safety standards, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers guidelines, and the co-op’s policies.
If a generator or distributed generation system is not properly isolated from the co-op’s system, or if it is installed without prior approval and the required interconnection agreement, it can backfeed electricity through a transformer. When this happens, power lines that appear to be de-energized can suddenly carry electricity at as much as 14,400 volts. This creates an extremely dangerous and potentially fatal situation for lineworkers who may be working to restore service during an outage.
Backfeeding is particularly dangerous because it is invisible. Lineworkers depend on accurate information about the location and status of all distributed generation sources. When generators are authorized, properly interconnected and installed correctly, the cooperative can implement safety precautions and follow strict procedures before repair crews are dispatched.
To protect utility workers and the public, it’s essential that the co-op be informed whenever a generator is operational, whether during an outage or at other times. Members planning to use a generator should notify HCEC immediately.
Additionally, generators must always be installed with an approved transfer switch. Transfer switches prevent electricity from backfeeding into the utility system, safeguarding workers and the community from accidental electrocution.
Protecting lives is a shared responsibility. By operating generators correctly, obtaining necessary approvals and agreements beforehand, and keeping the co-op informed, members help protect lineworkers and enable faster, safer power restoration.
Thank you for helping us keep our employees and your community safe.