Power Outages
Power Outages | Generators | Electrical | Huntland
When the lights go out in Huntland, HEP is already on the move. Our real-time outage map, restoration timelines, and safety alerts keep you informed from the first flicker to full power. We coordinate closely with city crews and emergency services, so you’ll know what’s happening on your street and how to stay safe until electricity is restored.
For homes and businesses needing an extra layer of security, our Huntland team explains how portable and standby generators can bridge the gap during extended interruptions. Learn sizing tips, fueling guidelines, and local code requirements, plus discover HEP’s maintenance plans that keep the backup power you depend on ready for the next storm.
FAQs
Why should I consider a standby generator for my Huntland home or business?
Huntland sits on a lightly populated section of the TVA grid, so a single fallen tree, ice storm, or blown transformer can leave parts of Franklin County without electricity for hours—or even days—while crews are redeployed from larger towns. A permanently installed standby generator keeps lights, refrigeration, medical equipment, well pumps, and HVAC systems running automatically. It protects frozen food, prevents pipes from freezing, allows you to work from home, and keeps your business open when competitors are dark, usually adding resale value to the property as well.
How do I choose the right size generator for my electrical needs during a power outage?
Start by listing the circuits or appliances you must keep powered—typically the refrigerator, freezer, heating/air system, well pump, sump pump, and a few lighting and outlet circuits. Each device’s running wattage and starting (surge) wattage are added together to find the total load. In most Huntland homes this falls between 7 kW and 22 kW, though larger properties or farms can require 30 kW or more. A load-calculation meter and software, used by our technicians during a free on-site evaluation, gives an exact figure. Oversizing wastes fuel and money; undersizing causes the generator to trip offline, so sizing accuracy is critical.
What is the installation process for a whole-home generator in Huntland, and do I need permits?
1. Site visit: We identify a level spot at least 5 ft from openings and 18 in from walls, per NFPA 37 and manufacturer specs. 2. Permitting: Franklin County Building & Codes requires an electrical permit and, if propane is used, a mechanical/gas permit. We submit drawings, load calculations, and spec sheets on your behalf. 3. Pad & wiring: A concrete or composite pad is poured/set; a licensed electrician installs the automatic transfer switch (ATS) at the main panel and runs conduit to the generator. 4. Fuel hookup: For propane, we coordinate with your LP supplier for tank sizing (usually 250–500 gal) and trench the gas line. If natural gas is available on your street, the Huntsville Utilities gas inspector must approve tie-in. 5. Startup & inspection: After municipal inspection, we perform a factory-authorized startup, register the warranty, and demonstrate operation. Turn-key projects in Huntland typically take one long day in the field plus a week or two of permit lead time.
How long can a standby generator run during an extended outage, and what fuel options are available locally?
Runtime is limited only by fuel supply and scheduled maintenance intervals. A 22 kW air-cooled generator at 50 % load burns roughly 2 gal/hr of propane or 245 cu ft/hr of natural gas. • Propane: A 500-gal tank (400 usable gal) gives about 80 hours of continuous runtime. Local suppliers such as Blossman Gas can top off tanks during a multi-day outage if roads are passable. • Natural gas: As long as gas service remains on, runtime is virtually unlimited, making it the most convenient option in neighborhoods served by Huntsville Utilities. • Diesel: Mostly used for commercial or agricultural loads above 35 kW. A double-wall UL-142 fuel tank is required, and refueling trucks must be able to reach the site. All models must stop every 150–200 hours for an oil check; most owners schedule a quick service visit if an outage drags on.
What maintenance does a residential generator require to stay reliable?
Standby generators are similar to a small automobile engine that exercises automatically once a week. Annual professional service includes: • Oil and filter change • Air filter and spark-plug replacement (gasoline/propane units) • Valve lash adjustment on some models • Battery load test, charger inspection, and terminal cleaning • Firmware update and controller diagnostic check • Verification of gas pressure/propane regulator settings A homeowner should also keep the enclosure clear of leaves, mow grass around the pad, and visually check for coolant or oil leaks monthly. With regular upkeep, today’s air-cooled units last 10–15 years; liquid-cooled commercial units can exceed 25 years.
Will a generator automatically start when the power goes out, and how quickly will my lights come back on?
Yes. The automatic transfer switch (ATS) constantly monitors utility voltage. When it senses a power loss for typically 3–5 seconds, it signals the generator to start. After the engine reaches proper speed (another 5–10 seconds), the ATS disconnects the utility feed and switches your selected circuits to generator power. The whole sequence usually takes 10–20 seconds. When the grid returns, the ATS waits until voltage is stable for about a minute, then re-connects to utility and shuts the generator down after a cool-off cycle. You don’t have to be home or flip any breakers—the transition is fully automatic.