Protecting your family and community: Safe generator use helps prevent re-energizing power lines

A simple installation mistake can send electricity onto power lines, creating serious risks for line workers, neighbors and loved ones

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Backfeed can be deadly.
• Families, neighbors and first responders are also at risk.
• Safe installation is critical.

ST. LOUIS (Aug. 18, 2026) - An improperly connected generator can re-energize power lines and create a potentially deadly hazard for utility workers, first responders and the public. With tornadoes and severe storms on the rise in communities across Missouri and Illinois, Ameren is reminding customers to ensure backup generators, rooftop solar panels, and battery storage systems are installed and operated safely.

As of July 31, Illinois currently leads the nation in confirmed tornadoes this year with 221 preliminary tornado reports, while Indiana was second with 89, underscoring the importance of being prepared for power outages while safely operating customer-owned generation equipment.

As more homeowners and businesses install backup power and customer-owned generation technologies, it is critical that proper steps be taken to prevent electrical "backfeed," a dangerous condition that can occur when electricity from a customer-owned generator or solar system flows back onto power lines or electrical equipment.

Power lines are often shut off for repair or replacement during outage events. However, an improperly connected home or business generator can send electricity back onto those lines, creating a potentially deadly hazard for utility crews, first responders, and the public.

"Most importantly, a generator should never be plugged directly into a household wall outlet," said Tommie Bugett, director of safety for Ameren. "Backfeed from an improperly connected generator can energize power lines and equipment that people may believe are de-energized, putting utility crews, first responders and the public at risk."

For safe operation, customers should:

• Never connect a generator directly to a household wall outlet.
• Follow all manufacturer instructions.
• Use properly rated extension cords to run power directly from the generator outlets to individual appliances, bypassing home wiring.
• Have a qualified electrician install a transfer switch or generator interlock kit.
• Ensure customer-owned generation equipment complies with applicable electrical codes and safety requirements.
• Properly maintain generators, solar systems and battery storage equipment.

As customer-owned generation technologies become more common, Ameren continues to train employees to work safely around potential energy sources during routine operations and storm restoration efforts. Crews follow established procedures that include testing equipment, verifying conditions and using appropriate grounding practices before performing work.

During outage restoration, Ameren employees may encounter generators, solar panels and battery storage systems connected to customer properties. Proper installation helps ensure those systems can be used safely while protecting utility workers and first responders working to restore service.

Customers can learn more about electrical safety and preparedness by visiting Ameren.com.

About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.5 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 67,700-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.