As part of our ongoing efforts to promote safety, Emerald is offering the Generator Transfer Switch Rebate and the NEW GenerLink Device Rebate to encourage customers to safely connect their generators.
WHY INSTALL A TRANSFER SWITCH?
While it may seem like you can disconnect your home’s power from EPUD’s electric system by simply throwing the main breaker, doing so is extremely unsafe. Circuit breakers do not make a positive disconnection between the home electric system and EPUD’s system, and they’ve been known to fail. Without a positive disconnection, the generator can back-feed electricity to EPUD’s system through the main breaker and create a dangerous situation for line crews working to restore power. Connecting a generator this way would also bypass built-in household circuit protection devices, which could cause a surge in your home strong enough to seriously injure or kill you or a family member.
The only safe way to create a positive disconnection between the two electric systems is through the use of a professionally installed transfer switch or GenerLink device. Using one of these options will allow your generator to be safely connected and provide backup power during an outage, without the risk of backfeeding electricity to EPUD’s system.
Learn more in EPUD’s Rules for Generator Safety video below:
$500 REBATE ON A TRANSFER SWITCH OR GENERLINK DEVICE!
Talk to our Energy Experts about different generator types and transfer switch devices so you can make an informed decision. Contact our Energy Services team today at 541-744-7482 or EnergyServices@epud.org.
GET UP TO $500 BACK ON A TRANSFER SWITCH!
REBATE OFFER
Customer will receive a cash rebate of up to $500 per qualifying transfer switch per meter. Rebate is capped at 100% of the installed cost of the transfer switch. The total cost includes the documented costs to install the transfer switch.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
- Customer must submit a completed and signed Generator Switch Incentive Application with required documentation for a service address within EPUD's service territory (Commercial or Residential).
- Rebate application must be submitted within 90 days of project completion.
- Transfer switch must be installed by a licensed electrician, appropriately permitted and inspected by the rightful governmental agencies.
GET UP TO $500 BACK ON A GENERLINKTM DEVICE!
Safe Generator Connection
Many homeowners use portable electric generators to power their homes during electrical outages. While generators are a convenience, if used improperly they can cause hazardous conditions for the homeowner and for electric crews working in the area.
- GenerLink™ is an interconnection device that enables you to connect your portable generator directly to your home’s wiring system. During a power outage, your generator becomes your source of emergency backup power.
- GenerLink™ is designed as an alternative to costly transfer switches and hazardous extension cords.
- GenerLink™ eliminates the use of extension cords and other hazardous connections by providing a safe connection from the electric meter directly to the generator.
- GenerLink™ also detects when a generator is operating and automatically disconnects from the utility grid, eliminating dangerous backfeed.
Benefits of GenerLink™
- Easiest and safest generator connection.
- Allows customers to run virtually any appliances up to the capacity of their generator.
- Easily installed behind the electric meter.
- Connection at the meter keeps your portable generator outside where it is safe.
- Seven year manufacturer’s warranty.
PURCHASE A GENERLINK TRANSFER SWITCH
Learn about the available models of GenerLinkTM, and order yours today If link doesn't work, copy and paste this URL into internet browser - (https://epud4.gpfulfillment.com/)
REBATE OFFER
Customer will receive a cash rebate of up to $500 per qualifying GenerLinkTM device per meter. Rebate is calculated based on the cost of the device. Proof of purchase and installation is required.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
- Customer must submit a completed and signed GenerLinkTM Incentive Application with required documentation for a service address within EPUD's service territory (Commercial or Residential).
- Rebate application must be submitted within 90 days of project purchase.
- For most, it is not required that GenerLinkTM be installed by a licensed electrician; however, it is recommended. Net Metering/Solar customers are required to use a licensed electrician for the installation.
GenerLink™ varies from traditional transfer switches in the following ways:
- GenerLink™ is installed outside your home at the electric meter, providing easy access to your generator. Installation of a transfer switch may require rewiring your home’s electric system.
- With GenerLink™, you have the flexibility of selecting the appliances you want to run from your home’s breaker panel, up to the capacity of your generator. Most basic transfer switches have 6 to 8 hard-wired circuits. This limits the number of circuits you can connect to the transfer switch.
- Since GenerLink™ uses your existing breaker panel, you can run any large 120- or 240-volt appliance up to your generator’s capacity. Your well pump, water heater, sump pump, electric range, clothes dryer and electric baseboard heat are just some of the appliances that can be run on a rotation basis with GenerLink™. Many transfer switches and sub panels have only one or two 240-volt circuits rated at 15 or 20 amps. Heavier loads, such as water heaters and electric ranges, may not be accommodated by these transfer switches and sub panels.
GET IT NOW: For your convenience, we have partnered with General Pacific to offer a GenerLink™ device that is compatible with EPUD's electric meter bases. Order online at https://epud4.gpfulfillment.com/product/generlink-transfer-switch/.
IMPORTANT: If you prefer to shop for a GenerLink™ device elsewhere, we recommend you contact Global Power Products at 800-886-3837 before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your meter base.
Generator Types and Sizes
- Large, fixed generators have the potential to power an entire home. They are connected to building wiring and can turn on automatically during power outages. Installation of a fixed generator must be performed by a qualified electrician and is often subject to building code requirements.
- Portable generators are designed for use with appliances, devices, and systems that have power cords connected to them. They can be directly plugged into outlets on this type of generator.
The size of portable generator that’s right for you depends on what lights and appliances you want to use when the lights go out. Generators are rated in watts. To determine the number of watts you’ll need, start by adding up the watts used by each light, device, and appliance you want to connect, then add at least 50 percent more. The additional wattage is needed because the generator should not be run continuously at more than 80 percent of its rated capacity. Also, appliances that operate with a motor (like the refrigerator and freezer) can require two to ten times their listed wattage in order to start. Remember, the bigger the portable generator is, the more it will cost.
If you’re still unsure which type of generator will work best for you, call us! We'll be happy to discuss the different options with you and help you make an informed decision. To connect with EPUD's Energy Experts, call 541-746-1583 or email Energy Services.
No, EPUD does not install generators. Please contact a licensed electrician to perform the installation.
No, at this time, EPUD is unable to provide a list of electricians who install generators. When selecting an electrician, we encourage customer-owners to:
- Request bids from more than one electrician when considering a project. Consider warranty information, pricing, and equipment when evaluating differences.
- Ask potential electricians for references from prior customers and check them.
- Visit the Oregon Construction Contractors Board website to verify that electricians are properly licensed.
Yes, a transfer switch or GenerLink device can be installed after you've already purchased a generator, so you would still be eligible to receive a rebate.
Once you’ve selected your generator, read the instruction manual carefully and follow all recommended safety instructions. Remember the four most important rules for using a generator safely:
- NEVER use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage .
Always place the generator outside in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. As an extra precaution, get a carbon monoxide monitor for your home. - NEVER use an undersized extension cord.
Size the extension cord to match your equipment, or get help choosing the right cords from an electrician or qualified supplier. - NEVER use generators in rain or wet conditions.
The generator must be properly grounded and located in a dry area. You must have dry hands and be standing in a dry area while operating it. - NEVER refuel the generator while it’s hot.
Allow it to cool completely before refueling and always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby.