On the surface, buying a generator sounds very appealing; having a backup power source will make life more convenient during power outages — not to mention their usefulness for work and recreation away from the grid.
But, in reality, only a relative handful of Clark Public Utilities’ 228,000 customers would benefit from investing in a generator.
For the vast majority of Clark County residents, a power outage is little more than an inconvenience that is over just a few minutes after it started.
“Unless your home is prone to prolonged outages, or you’re dependent on life-saving medical equipment, you’d typically never get more than a few minutes of use out a generator,” said Safety Manager Justin Zucconi. “In a lot of cases, the outage will probably be over by the time they pull it out, fuel it up, connect their appliances and get it started.”
Customers who live in rural areas, where outages can sometimes last for a few days at a time, may benefit from investing in a generator. They’ll make life more comfortable and convenient while the power is out. Plus, they can help preserve food stored in large freezers or refrigerators.
People who depend on electronic life-sustaining medical equipment may also benefit from one, even if they live in town. Even if they’re never or rarely used, having a backup power supply can be invaluable peace of mind for the medically vulnerable.
Most households can make it through an outage just fine for about a day with little inconvenience. Food in the fridge or the freezer can stay cold for hours, so long as the door remains shut or ice or cold packs are added. Alternatively, perishable food can be transferred to coolers until power is restored. Barbeques or camp stoves used outdoors, not in the garage or kitchen, can work in a pinch or an outage might be the perfect excuse to try a new restaurant on the other side of town.
Generators come in various sizes with varying output capabilities. The best generator isn’t necessarily the biggest one, rather it’s the one that’ll adequately power the devices a household needs.
Appliances should be directly connected to a generator with an extension cord rated to handle the energy demand — anything less is a fire hazard.
Some homeowners may want to connect a generator to the home’s electric panel. But that should never be installed by anyone other than a professional using a transfer switch or interlock device. Forgoing those safety devices can be fatal for utility crews working on nearby power lines.
A generator improperly connected to an electric panel can push electricity out of the home and into the utility lines around it. That backfed electricity could kill or injure an unsuspecting lineman who touches nearby electric lines while they’re making repairs.
Generators should be kept far from windows, intake vents, garages or carports — but never too close to the neighbor’s home. When rain is an issue, consider placing it under a gazebo or a portable shelter.
Remember to shut it off before refueling and avoid spills. A hot generator engine could ignite a fire when gasoline is present.
In most cases a car can provide many of the benefits a generator would. It can keep you warm, and charge small devices. That’s why keeping a full tank of gas is another way to stay safe during an outage.
Energy Adviser is produced by Clark Public Utilities and relies on the expertise of utility energy counselors and staff, who provide conservation and energy use information. To contact us call 360-992-3355, email ecod@clarkpud.com or visit www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
