As a lot of generators are gas, I went looking for one that could run on propane or natural gas. I found one at Northern Hydraulic (http://204.73.188.103/). Even if you don't want an LPG/natural gas generator, they make gas and diesel as well, and have sizing information to help you make a choice.

-- Karen Cook (browsercat@hotmail.com), November 15, 1998

Answers

My mother has a propane generator. When the power goes off, it runs enough power for her to run her microwave, coffeemaker and water heater. The maintenance on them are minimal, but you must change the oil and maintain the battery. They are not cheap either, and they are very loud. I'm not buying a generator because I think it will draw too much attention to my house. I'd rather be inconvienced than to have thugs coming to my house trying to steal it, then I'd have to do something about that. Also, when the propane runs out and there's no more to be delivered, you will be in the same boat as us. Alos, you can't rely on the natural gas supply either. They have embedded chips in their gas pipeline operation too.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), November 15, 1998.

Bardou is correct. The gas supply is dependent on electric generation to run huge compressors AND they have their own SCADA/EMS issues. Chances are good that if the gas is flowing you WON'T need it because the electric supply is intact.

-- R. D..Herring (drherr@erols.com), November 15, 1998.