Has anyone researched which would be the most efficient generator to purchase for home use? I have tried and find little dealing with the purchase of a generator for personal use after 1/1/2000. Thank you for any help.

-- Anonymous, August 31, 1998

Answers

This is a common question which many utilities have received from customers. The main point is:

1. What's the duration of power outage on Jan 1, 2000 that one imagines ? You can never get a guarantee from any utility 2. How many gallons of gas has to be stored in your basement or garage for the generator ? Also you can consider the risks of blowing your house and your entire neighbourhood. 4. If you are not storing gas, then how many gas stations do you expect to be open that day ? 3. If you are living in a snow bound area, how much heating load has to be fed by the generator ?

It's better to wait till Nov '99 for a specific answer.

-- Anonymous, August 31, 1998

As regular readers of this forum are well aware, I don't normally delve into preparedness issues; in this case I'll make an exception because it points to some other things that need to be considered (and if you feel the need for a generator exists,you'd be best preparing now rather than 12 months from now).

Dealers are seeing an unprecedented demand for personal generators, and I don't suppose it takes a rocket scientist to figure out why. My instincts tell me that at this time next year, it might be extremely expensive (if not impossible) to purchase one. So, if you can afford the expense now, and feel that it's a part of your personal strategy for Y2k, by all means don't delay the purchase.

Some time back, I ran into a Generator FAQ via DejaNews that I personally found quite useful and very well put together. It's almost like a 'consumers report' of personal generators, and I think it will answer many of your basic questions. There is a great table that you can cut and paste into an excel spreadsheet to compare the various makes, models, and features. You might also wish to address any other specific questions to the alt.energy.homepower usenet newsgroup, as this subject is frequently discussed.

Hope this helps.

-- Anonymous, August 31, 1998

In the past few days, I've found two other great resources re: personal generators.

http://agitator.dynip.com/agitator/juice_page.htm (Generator FAQ)

http://www.northern-online.com/ (Northern Tools and Power Equipment; great FAQ plus online catalog with prices, ratings, and descriptions)

-- Anonymous, September 03, 1998

Think diesel, if you can afford it.

-- Anonymous, September 08, 1998

Our company builds top quality generators that are designed for prime power use...... that is forget the grid generate your own power.... with Y2K we are seeing huge number of inquiries on this topic and many customers are realizing that they can generate their own electricity CHEAPER than purchasing power from their local electric company. Our company (PowerPac) manufacturing is listed on the Agitator's Juice Page. We also market the Micro Turbine for these types of applications as well.

Http://www.powerpac.com/generator.html

-- Anonymous, October 06, 1998

Hi there,

What kind of generators are you researching? Our business manufacturers diesel generators. We know these generators last longer than gas and is cheaper. If you want to know more please send an e mail to me.

Keep me posted, Leimomi

-- Anonymous, January 14, 1999