Customer Backup Generation

• The distribution system is highly reliable at 99.99%, but there are times when the distribution grid cannot deliver electricity to your home.
• Unpredictable events, mainly weather-related, might cause distribution grid failures.
• To bolster reliability, consider installing a generator for producing electricity during grid outages.
• Backup generation options include portable generators and whole-home generators.
• DES advises hiring licensed contractors for backup generator installation, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Customer Backup Generation Required Documents

• Customers with portable or whole-home generators must complete and sign specified documents.
• Additionally, equipment specifications and a one-line drawing from the installer are needed.
• Submit the executed documents by emailing our customer generation department.
• A $100 application fee is required, payable at our office or by mail to the provided address.
• Include your current account number and the installation address.

Use the customer checklist to ensure your generation complies with DES procedures. Each option will include the requirements for installing grid-tied generation. Failure to comply with any of the following requirements will result in disconnection from the DES distribution grid.

If you are considering generation and need guidance, please contact DES at (615) 441-6316.

Dickson Electric System, Attn: Kaci Booker
PO Box 627
Dickson, TN 37056

Portable Generator

A portable generator is a fossil fuel (i.e. gas, diesel, propane) generator with the following characteristics:

• It allows you to directly plug in a limited number of items based on their voltage requirements.
• This type of generator is meant for outdoor use due to its carbon monoxide emissions.

Electricity Flow & Grid Connection

• If a portable generator isn’t connected to your electric panel or a home outlet, the electricity it generates won’t feed back into the grid.
• Generators not plugged into the home’s system don’t raise safety concerns for DES employees and the general public.
• Such generators are exempt from compliance standards imposed by DES.

Tied Generator Compliance

• However, if you decide to tie your portable generator to your electric panel or outlet, specific guidelines must be followed.
• Compliance with DES requirements is mandatory.
• Completing the customer checklist is part of the adherence process.

Whole-Home Generators

• Whole-home generators are tied directly to your electric panel and require an inspection from the state electrical inspector.
• DES has mandatory requirements to keep our lineworkers safe during an outage since there is always a potential for the generation to feed back onto the grid.

Selecting an Installer

When selecting a contractor/installer, we recommend you exercise due diligence by requesting references and checking reviews.