Generator Notification

California law requires that customers notify their electric provider if an electrical generator is used at your home or business. This information helps us to protect your property and our employees. Before you install a generator, please fill out the Electrical Generator Notice (PDF) and return it to our office or fill out the online form.

Electrical Generator Notice


Safety Precautions

Standby generators can provide emergency backup electric service for your home or business during a temporary power outage. Yet, unless you take proper safety measures, these emergency generators can be deadly, to you, your neighbors, and our employees.

Generators can send electricity back through our power lines, endangering the lives, especially our linecrews working to restore power.

California law requires owners, renters, or lessees of portable generators to take necessary safety precautions. These measures will help protect you, your neighbors, and our workers from serious injury, or even death:

  • Portable generators that can be temporarily connected to the electrical system in your home or business may only be connected after opening your electrical system’s main switch. (This requirement isolates your electrical system from our power lines and prevents electricity from flowing back onto LMUD’s system.)
  •  A double-throw switch must be used with electric generators that are capable of permanent connection to the electrical system of your home or business.
  • lf you own, rent, or lease an electric generator, the state law requires you to notify us of the unit’s location.

Safety Guidelines for Using a Generator

Here are some helpful guidelines when considering the use of an electric generator:

  • Select a generator that’s sized to meet the needs of your electrical system. The needs of different homes and businesses vary considerably.
  • Hire a qualified electrician to install the generator. Be sure a double-throw, double-pole switch is installed. This switch isolates your generator from LMUD’s lines and prevents power from flowing into your generator and possibly causing damage.
  • Be sure to have a good venting system for the generator’s exhaust. Generators, like car engines, produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
  • As you decide where to locate the generator, be sure to consider the amount of noise it makes, and allow easy access for servicing.