I'm thinking of putting in a 6500 watt generator hooked up to my natural gas with the transfer box,etc so that the generator automatically comes on when the electricity goes out which is predicted to happen this winter in my area. The issue I raised with the supplier is what happens if the gas isn't delivered. His attitude was without gas and electricity, we are "hooped". I agree, but... Does anyone have any information on whether natural gas distribution is a huge risk, ie, how are the distributors coming with compliance?

-- Rick Reilly (rreilly@shaw.wave.ca), November 05, 1998

Answers

I'm debating that exact issue as well, but don't have an answer. Ref: Northern Hydraulics auto-start generator, propane or natural gas. Much more power than the smaller gasoline units (most of those average 3500-5000 watts), but also much more expensive. Also, not portable - if there is a need to get into the field to do some work.

Will depend also on availability of natural gas in your area, and on reliablility of that distribution campny, as well as whole country network of pipelines and controllers.

Other recommendations/comments?

-- Robert A. Cook, P.E. (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), November 05, 1998.

guys, seriously consider the LP (propane) option there aer lots of companies out there qwho would be HAPPY to drop a 500 or 1K gal tank in your yard and fil it for you. Though, tyou may not get the same deal as Level offers with their system, but......

{[(Level Propane @ 1-800-7LEVEL1 has surprising prices by buying in summer, storing in caverns and selling in winter. They may or may not have service in your state. They run in 17 states. )]}

([{ Truth in .... My spouse happens to work as an exec ass't in their IT dept, but we get nothing from any sales, beyond the fact that the company is that much more viable!!)]}

-- chuck, etc. (rienzoo@en.com), November 05, 1998.

No gasoline to deliver means no propane for your generator. Vulnerable embedded chips gone haywire in the delivery of natural gas means no natural gas to your generator. Also, anything mechanical breaks down, are you a mechanic and have spare parts? I suggest a wood burning stove and lots of firewood.

-- Woodman (Pyromaniac@blazing.com), November 05, 1998.

If you are just anticipating short term outages or disruptions in your electric, the generators make sense. If the system breaks down, no gas, propane, etc.... Heating by wood is the only way to go, if you want a constant supply. Be prepared by storing several cords, and have an axe and saw. Solar works in some areas and could provide basic electric. Big city folks forgetaboutit.

-- Bill (bill@microsoft.com), November 05, 1998.