SB305 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Utilities, portable electric generators, certain requirement for use, provided, criminal penalties for violation

Summary

SB305 creates safety rules for portable and some permanent generators to prevent back-feeding electricity into the grid and makes violations a Class C misdemeanor.

What This Bill Does

It requires portable generators that could be connected to a building to be isolated at the main breaker panel to prevent back-feeding onto the electric distribution system. It allows exceptions for setups approved by the electric supplier, such as transfer switches or other mechanisms, and for generators that run in parallel with the system with supplier approval. Violating these rules would be a Class C misdemeanor. The act defines key terms and states it does not change the Public Service Commission’s authority or rates, and it becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Property owners and occupants using portable or permanent generators, who must ensure isolation at the main breaker panel to avoid back-feeding and could face penalties for violations.
• Electric utilities/suppliers, which must approve certain transfer switches or parallel-operation arrangements and determine whether exemptions apply.
• Installers and contractors who install or modify generator connections, transfer switches, or isolation mechanisms to comply with the rule.

Key Provisions

• Portable generators connected to a structure may only be used if the generator and the structure's electrical system are isolated at the main breaker panel to prevent back-feeding.
• Exemptions exist for configurations approved by the electric supplier, including transfer switches or mechanisms that prevent back-feeding, and for permanently connected systems that run in parallel with supplier approval.
• The section defines 'electric supplier' and 'generator' for the purposes of the act.
• Violations are punishable as a Class C misdemeanor.
• The act does not change the Public Service Commission's jurisdiction or utility rates or service regulations.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Utilities