Manager’s Message – January 2026
PrintHave a Generator? This Message Could Save a Life
A few years ago, during storm restoration, a Northern Lights lineman had an electrical contact. He was in the process of checking an individual service that was out of power, which had an improperly installed backup generator. The generator backfed electricity onto our equipment and shocked the lineman. Thankfully, he was able to quickly release his hold and get to the ground.
He is extremely lucky and experienced only minor injuries, but he could have died.
What is generator backfeed? Backfeed occurs when power travels from the generator back through the utility lines and reenergizes them, creating a very dangerous and potentially deadly situation for lineworkers.
To prevent backfeed, permanent or portable generators should never be plugged into a home’s wiring or directly into the circuit breaker panel. Instead, a transfer switch should be installed. A transfer switch ensures your household wiring—or selected circuits supplied by the generator—can’t be connected to the power grid and the generator at the same time, eliminating any chance of backfeed. It also protects your generator from damage if the power is restored while it’s connected. Make sure a qualified, licensed electrician installs the transfer switch for you.
NLI’s responsibility for electric service ends at the meter. We do not know when, or if, you installed a generator, and we do not know if the installation complied with the National Electrical Code.
When the power goes out, having a generator means you can keep the heat, light and many other conveniences we’ve come to enjoy. Please make sure you aren’t creating unnecessary danger. Have your generator properly installed, and operate it safely to prevent backfeed. It could save a life!
Annie Terracciano
General Manager
