About Lights Back On

A free backup power guide for Michigan homes.

Who it's for

Michigan homeowners who are tired of sitting in the dark and don't want to be talked into a standby generator they may not need, or talked out of one they do. If you have a gas furnace, a sump pump and a freezer full of food, most of what you need runs on a few thousand watts. If you heat with a heat pump or depend on medical equipment, you probably need more, and we'll say so.

What we do

Answer seven quick questions and we show the setup that fits your house and your utility: DTE's Surge Protection Plus meter plug (GenerLink) with a portable generator, an electrician-installed inlet and interlock, a battery station, or a whole-home standby. Then we list the exact gear to buy, including the cord, fuel, stabilizer and CO alarms, and answer the questions people have once they own a generator. It's free, and we never ask for your email.

How we make money

Some product links are affiliate links: if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That never changes what we recommend, and we point out cheaper options when they do the same job.

Independent

Lights Back On is not affiliated with DTE. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, or any utility or manufacturer.

Not electrical advice

Educational content only; not electrical advice. Anything that connects to your home's wiring should be installed by a licensed electrician with a permit where required, or by your utility.

Contact

Questions, corrections, or a Michigan utility program we missed? Email [email protected].