What Will a Power Outage Cost You?
Standby Generator
As a homeowner, you understand the havoc an extended power outage can have on your home. A permanently installed automatic standby generator provides backup power protection and peace of mind for your family or business during a power outage. They produce constant and stable power that computers and other sensitive electronic equipment can use safely. Standby generators can run for extended periods using a permanent natural gas or liquid propane fuel supply. In a power outage, a permanently installed generator returns your home or business to power within seconds, even when you're away.
A fully automatic standby generator senses an outage and begins producing power immediately. When power returns, the generator shuts itself off automatically and returns to standby mode. Because the generator is hard-wired into the electrical system of your home or business, appliances and devices (furnaces, well pumps and lights) will operate in addition to plug-in items.
If you've chosen an automatic standby generator, you'll also need an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to connect the generator to your existing electrical system. Most automatic standby generators are prepackaged with a transfer switch.
Although the generator creates the power, the transfer switch is really the core of the generator system. It's a permanently installed electrical panel near your main circuit breaker panel that allows you to safely connect a generator to your home's electrical circuits. The ATS constantly monitors utility power and determines when a true power outage is occurring, switching from utility power to emergency generator power and back again when utility power returns.
Portable Generator
A portable generator is a good power solution if you don't want to invest in a standby generator or if you need electricity away from the home. They can supply power to vital devices around the home when you're facing a blackout. Outside the home, a small portable generator can provide power for TV's, small appliances, power tools and lights while camping.
Most portable generators run on gasoline of liquid propane (LP) to back up important devices and appliances during an outage. By adding a manual transfer switch, you can deliver the full output of your portable generator to your home's electrical system, letting you back up hardwired appliances. A transfer switch will eliminate any chance of a dangerous back-feed to utility workers.
An inverter generator is a gas or propane powered generator that can typically function more efficiently and more quietly than traditional gas and diesel units.
If you have questions or would like information on pricing, contact Corey at coreyc@lyrec.coop or Jami at jamip@lyrec.coop or you can call LYREC's office at 406-488-1602.
