During a power outage, you can connect a heavy-duty extension cord to a portable generator and run it to a few essential lights and perhaps a small appliance or two – or fire up a much larger generator to run several lights, a refrigerator and even a space heater. However, it may be more convenient – and safer – to connect the generator directly to your home’s electrical service panel through a professionally installed, permanent transfer switch that isolates individual circuits in your home from the co-op’s power lines.