Weather Closure:

Tri-County Electric offices will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026 for employee and community safety. Online and telephone support will remain available at tcectexas.com and 817.444.3201.

Residential Generators

You've decided on a generator. Now what?

At Tri-County Electric Co-op, safety is our top priority. We understand the importance of providing reliable electricity while safe guarding the well-being of our members and our dedicated linemen. That's why we emphasize the critical nature of generator interconnection approval.

What is Interconnection?

Interconnection is simply the process of connecting a new generator to the electric grid.

Why Interconnection Approval Matters

Generator interconnection approval is a vital step in protecting lives and property. Without proper interconnection, generators can backfeed the grid, posing serious risks to both our lineman and our members. Backfeeding the grid during or after a utility outage can lead to catastrophic consequences, including:

  1. Injury or Fatality: Misoperation of generators can endanger the lives of our linemen who work tirelessly to restore power during outages. Without proper interconnection, unsuspecting linemen could be exposed to lethal electrical currents.
     
  2. Equipment Damage: Backfeeding electricity into the grid without approval can damage not only the generator itself but also member equipment. This can result in costly repairs and potential hazards within members' homes or businesses.
Connect a Generator
Generator Interconnection Standards
Load-Side Portable Generator Interconnection Standards

Generator Requirements

  1. Generator transfer switch must be located within 3 feet of the Tri-County meter if being used as a service disconnect. Otherwise, transfer switch must be located within 6 feet of meter.
     
  2. Conduit between the meter and service disconnect must be rigid metal conduit or EMT.
     
  3. Transfer switches must be UL listed (1008, not 1008M). Interlock kits are not acceptable. Meter-mount transfer switches are not acceptable.
     
  4. If the transfer switch is service rated, the neutral/ground bond must be located in the transfer switch and removed in the breaker panel. If the transfer switch is not service rated, the bond shall remain in the breaker panel.
     
  5. Sub-panel generator interconnections are acceptable as long as the transfer switch still meets the requirements of this spec.
     
  6. Refer to Authorized and Unauthorized Devices Spec for acceptable connections.
     
  7. No piercing connections or polaris plugs will be accepted in the meter base, AC disconnect, or breaker panel.
     
  8. Refer to the Rod + Pipe Electrodes Installation Requirements for ground rod installation guidelines.
     
  9. All conductors shall meet or exceed NEC code.

Meter Reminder!

When you need your power turned off, please call (817) 444-3201 at least two business days in advance to request a temporary disconnect. For your protection and the safety of others, never attempt to remove or cut a meter seal. If mishandled, meters can be dangerous and a meter seal protects you and others from harm. That’s why no meter seal may be removed or cut by anyone other than an authorized TCEC employee. An approved generator interconnection application from TCEC is also required prior to any work being performed.

Get Support

Email -

gridservices@tcectexas.com