Lights Back On

Michigan homes

A few questions. One plan. Lights back on.

Under 2 minutes. Free, no email.

Start the quiz

Lights Back On is not affiliated with DTE Energy.

Same outage. Very different bill.

DTE hookup + portable, first year$900–$3,000
Standby generator, installed$6,000–$20,000
Most whole-house installs: $10,000–$15,000

Some houses need a standby. The quiz says so when yours does.

How we got these
  • DTE install: $99.99 (30-amp) or $249.99 (40-amp), plus 12 × $22.99 (DTE, checked Nov 15, 2026).
  • Portable generator: $500–$2,500 (HomeGuide, checked Nov 15, 2026).
  • Standby, installed: 2026 cost guides from HomeGuide and Generac, checked Nov 15, 2026.

How it works

  1. Answer a few questions

    Your house, your heat, what can’t go off.

  2. See what it runs

    Tap the fridge, the furnace, the sump. Watch the load.

  3. Get one plan

    The setup, the cost, three steps, then the gear.

DTE’s meter hookup, in one picture

20 ft
  • $22.99 a month
  • $99.99 or $249.99 install
  • Under 30 minutes
  • 12-month term, $150 to cancel early

Needs 200-amp service or less, an L14-30 or 14-50 outlet, and no full-GFCI panel. Sources: DTE’s plan page and support FAQ, checked Nov 15, 2026.

Consumers Energy or another utility? An electrician adds an inlet and interlock instead.

Your free backup-power plan

Under 2 minutes. One plan for your house.

Free. No email, no sign-up to see your plan.

Lights Back On is not affiliated with DTE Energy.

Two rules that save lives

20 ft

Never run a generator in a garage, porch or near a window. Keep it 20 feet out, exhaust away.

Never backfeed through a dryer outlet. Use the meter hookup, an inlet or a transfer switch.

Generator FAQ