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Residential
Everything we do is for the benefit our members. We’re proud to provide a wide variety of products and services for your home, helping you save time, money and energy.
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Business
Everything we do is for the benefit our members. We’re proud to provide a wide variety of products and services for your business, helping you save time, money and energy.
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Contractors
Contractors
We’re dedicated to helping our members make smart energy usage decisions. We offer many informational and educational resources, programs and incentives, and energy-efficiency rebates for both business and residential members.
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Clean Energy & EVs
Clean Energy & EVs
As part of our strategic initiatives, we are committed to environmental leadership. Pursuing renewable energy alternatives and giving members the choice to support those initiatives is the right thing to do. With a wide variety of commercial and residential programs, we will partner with you in your efforts to go green, whether at home or at work.
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Company
Based in Ramsey, Minnesota, Connexus Energy is Minnesota’s largest consumer-owned electric cooperative, providing electricity and related products to member residents and businesses. The Connexus Energy Board of Directors, elected by our membership, governs the electric cooperative. We serve more than 146,000 members in portions of Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Ramsey, Sherburne and Washington counties.
- Residential
- Business
- Contractors
- Clean Energy & EVs
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Home Generators
Home Generators
Portable generators are often used for a backup power supply in the event of an emergency power outage. Improper use or installation of an electric generator can cause property damage, serious injury, or even death.
Please keep the following safety and installation guidelines in mind when installing or using a home generator.
Generator installation
When considering the purchase of a generator, it’s a good idea to have an electrician evaluate a home’s electrical system for proper grounding and polarity, and then install a generator transfer switch. The homeowner connects the generator to the transfer switch. From there, the generator’s power is fed into the service panel and to the dedicated circuits that have been specifically wired to be powered by the generator. The transfer switch also prevents electricity from feeding back into the electrical grid that powers your neighborhood. This protects utility workers from encountering unexpected current coming from your house – a dangerous condition known as backfeed. In addition, backfeed could severely overload the generator and damage the unit. It is required that installation of a transfer switch and wiring interconnecting the generator to the home’s electrical system be inspected by a State electrical inspector.
Generator guidelines and requirements
- Generators, disconnects, and transfer switches MUST be inspected by an electrical inspector. Look up your local electrical inspector here.
- Do not attempt to install these devices to your electrical panel on your own. It is extremely dangerous.
- Check and follow national, state, and local fire and electric codes.
- Review generator transfer switch requirements.
- Installation of any devices into the utility meter socket is not allowed.
Safety concerns
- Always make sure electricity is properly disconnected from your utility service before starting your backup generator.
- Many engine parts are hot during operation. Severe burns may result if touched.
- Never run a generator inside a building, especially in a building attached to a dwelling. This is against ALL fire and safety codes.
- Generators produce carbon monoxide (CO). Always ensure proper ventilation and airflow around the generator. Never operate a generator in an enclosed compartment.
- Never fuel the generator when it is running.
- Always have a fully-charged and approved fire extinguisher located near the generator.
- Never try to repair a generator. Only qualified service technicians should perform repairs.
- To prevent electrical shock, support the generator cords off the ground or relocate them, rather than allowing them to lie in puddles. Likewise, replace any cords with damaged insulation.
- Watch our video, Generator Safety During a Power Outage.
Watch the short generator safety video
Contact Connexus Energy
Get in touch with Connexus Energy. Call, email, stop in, or fill a form with your questions and feedback.
