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Home › Guides · Checked Nov 15, 2026

DTE meter plug vs. standby generator: which fits your home?

The short answer

portable + DTE’s meter plug costs a fraction and fits most gas-heated homes. A standby turns on by itself and runs bigger loads; it’s the better fit for some homes.

Portable + meter plugWhole-home standby
Typical cost~$900–$3,000 year one$6,000–$20,000 installed
StartsYou roll it out and plug inBy itself, in seconds
PowerUp to 7,200 or 9,600 We.g. 24 kW on propane
FuelRefuel about every 7–8 h at half loadGas line or big propane tank
NoiseAbout 74 dBAAbout 67 dB(A) at 23 ft
UpkeepOil, a monthly runAbout $171–$396 per dealer visit
PaperworkNone (DTE installs)Permit, pad, gas line, electrician

Sources: DTE, HomeGuide, Generac, Angi, Westinghouse, Generac. Noise is makers’ ratings.

More detail

Portable + meter plug is best if

  • You have gas heat.
  • Your must-haves fit under about 9,600 running watts.
  • Someone is usually home to set it up.
  • Your service is 200 amps or less.

Standby is best if

  • You have a heat pump or electric heat.
  • You have a well pump and a sump.
  • Someone depends on medical equipment through long outages.
  • You’re often away, or you want it fully automatic.
  • You need more than 9,600 watts.

Owning a standby

The Generac 24 kW (7210) runs 24 kW on propane and 21 kW on natural gas, tests itself weekly in a quiet mode, and has a 5-year limited warranty (Generac). Budget for yearly service and get 2–3 installed quotes.

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FAQ

Is a standby generator better than DTE’s meter plug?

It depends on the house. Standby wins for electric heat, well plus sump, medical needs, homes often left empty, or loads over 9,600 W. For most gas-heated homes, the meter plug costs far less.

How loud is a standby vs. a portable?

Makers rate the Generac 24 kW at about 67 dB(A) at 23 ft and the Westinghouse WGen9500DFc as low as 74 dBA.

Do I need DTE’s meter plug with a standby?

No. A standby uses its own automatic transfer switch.

Two rules that save lives

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.

Sources (checked Nov 15, 2026)