​

​​​​​Installing a Natural Gas Generator in Your Home​

Steps Required to Install a Standby Generator

Installation of a natural gas home generator takes five steps. Improper installation can seriously damage your home’s electrical system.

  1. Site visit: Your dealer will contact you to perform a site visit to determine the best location for the natural gas home generator based on code requirements, costs, and your preferences.
  2. Permits: Generator installation cannot begin without obtaining the proper permits (electrical, plumbing, building, site survey and home owner association (HOA) – if necessary). Your dealer will obtain all the necessary permits with your help prior to starting the installation of the natural gas home generator.
  3. Installation of the home generator and automatic transfer switch (ATS): The installation team will move your standby home generator onto the base so the plumber can connect the natural gas line and the electrician will complete the installation of the generator and ATS. Once the electric and natural gas lines are hooked up to the home generator, it is ready for testing.
  4. Final inspection: If you live in a permitted area, your municipality will conduct a final site inspection. Once approved, the paperwork is sent to CenterPoint Energy for finalization.
  5. Gas Meter upgrade: The permits and inspection paperwork is sent to CenterPoint Energy by the dealer, notifying us that the permitting process was approved. CenterPoint Energy will provide you with your meter upgrade to complete the home generator installation. (There is a fee charged for the meter upgrade.)​
​