How to Bounce Back From a Blackout that Lasts

 

Sandy the third major blackout in the northeastern US in less than two years.  Unfortunately, it’s a sign of things to come.

We can expect many more in the future as environmental and economic conditions worsen.

 Fortunately, we have a great community building here, willing to ask the right questions and share insights and experience.

Here’s two reader letters that address how to bounce back from a blackout that lasts a week or more.

Reader Question

Hi John,

I am one of those New Yorkers that’s been without power for 11 days now. It’s still going to take a while to get back online b/c a utility pole on our property went down and the power company would not deal with just one customer until the whole grid is back. So even though our neighborhood may be back soon we will still be in the dark (and cold).

I am looking to get the Generac whole house generator you recommended b/c we have natural gas. I do not want to go through this experience again of having no power for so long. We have a 2-year-old girl and it’s been tough to keep her cozy and warm.

Someone told me that the cost of installing an NG generator is astronomical. Since I am looking at purchasing the same 20,000 watt one you have could you tell me what a fair installation price would be?

Oh, we already have NG in the house for our oven, hot water heat and clothes dryer so no cost to run the pipe to the house.

Thanks for teaching me so many interesting and useful things!

P

Dear P,

Installation and equipment on a generator of that size will likely run you 50% of the purchase cost.  That’s likely to be about $3,000 in the New York area.

More @ Resilient Communities