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Safety & Compliance

Safety

  • DES prioritizes your electric needs, providing reliability through backup generation or renewable energy adoption.
  • Our commitment to safety for employees and communities drives this support.
  • Whether it’s solar panels or backup generation, all grid-tied systems must comply with DES policies.
  • Non-compliance poses severe dangers, jeopardizing public safety, employees, and homeowners.

Ensuring Safety through Policies

  • All DES policies are created to keep our staff and communities safe.
  • Follow all installation requirements regarding specified equipment and installation.
  • For the safety of our lineworkers, DES encourages you to self-report all generation that is grid-tied.
  • To self-report, or if you have questions or want to request an inspection, please contact Kaci Booker by calling (615) 441-6316 or email Kaci Booker prior to installation of generation.

Risks When Accessing Your Electric Meter Video


ESFI-Generator-Safety. Always keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space. Make sure the generator has 3 to 4 feet of clear space above and on all sides for proper ventilation. Keep generators away from doors, windows, and vents. Always direct exhaust away from your home. Always use grounded cords and inspect cords for damage prior to use. Use the proper cord for the wattage being used. Always use GFCI protection. Make sure to start/stop generators when no electrical loads are connected. Keep generators dry, do not operate when wet, and refuel when cool. Do not overload generators. Do not plug a generator directly into your home, connect items being powered directly to the generator. Transfer switches, whether manual or automatic, allow you to choose between utility power or backup generator power. Transfer switches are the only way to safely power your home's electrical system. Using a transfer switch prevents backfeeding. This occurs when your generator becomes a power source for the surrounding area and can damage your home, your neighbor's homes, and injure workers trying to restore power. Improper use and installation of generators could cause CO poisoning. Make sure your home has carbon monoxide alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. CO can kill in as little as 5 minutes. If you experience CO poisoning symptoms, (dizziness, headaches, nausea, tiredness) get fresh air, do not reenter areas, and call 911.

Non-Compliance

  • All DES installation requirements must be met before generation can begin.
  • Failure to adhere to DES specifications, inspections, or obtain required liability insurance for generation may lead to disconnection of electric service.
  • Customers will remain disconnected until DES installation requirements are fulfilled and a state electrical inspection is successfully passed.
DES Rules and Regulations (PDF) Non-Compliance Penalty Schedule (PDF)