Generator needed??
 

Getting ready to start building a new home soon. Looking for input on whether a generator might be worthwhile. If you’ve been down here a few years, how often do we get power outages, and how long do they last?

Thanks in advance for the input.

Five years between 4666A and 44 on SECO, I think we've lost power twice: one for a couple of hours and one for just less than an hour. Your experience might be different in other areas or on another power company.

I really want to buy one of those cute Honda 2200 units but with my experience over the last five years I just can't justify it to myself.

What I do have is a small uninterruptible power supply (UPS) powering my modem/router and smart-home hub. Between that and my laptop battery I have never lost internet connection which means I've never lost streaming capabilities. It might even run the television but I've never gotten around to trying it.

Since most of the electrical lines are underground here in the Villages, there really isn't any need for a generator unless you have medical equipment to keep running. Same here, 4 years, 2 power outages less than an hour.

Been here 17 years, hadn't needed a generator yet. The underground utilities help a lot.

1 long term outage
 

We have been owners for two years and the longest we have lost power was about 10 hours. It was due to the hurricane and have had Leesburg Electric for our entire time here.

You will be fine with Duke Energy we did not loose power during Milton. You might want to look at the thread going on lightning protection though (158 replies so far) as that could be your next investment question, LOL. BTW, a lot of good past history threads on this forum on darn near anything you want to know about so happy hunting and welcome.

I have a Generac whole house generator on my home in Tennessee. I like it, but I don't think you need on in the villages because long outages are rare. One thing to bear in mind is the maintenance and replacement cost. Assuming you hire it done, maintenance is about $700/year and the unit lasts about 20 years.

You're going to need much more than a generator to feel safe here. Storm windows, Bugs everywhere daily, wildlife, especially snakes and lizards, all day, Hot, humid, and sweaty 6 months a year, don't dare to go outside without a sunburn, bug bite, alligator or snake interaction. It's just part of life here.

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Generator
 

In Fenney for 7 years. Have whole-house automatic standby natural gas generator. Never needed it.

if you decide to buy a generator a few points to consider.
1. Since natural gas is available its the obvious choice over trips to the local gas station.
2. Make sure you can manually light the pilot light as you will have no electric ⚡ for spark ignition.
Btw. Welcome aboard

I agree with others that you won't need one unless you have lifesaving medical equipment.

Add to that lightning strikes, sinkholes, panthers, wild hogs and bad drivers. Terrible place to live. Your life is constantly in danger. Not to mention that if you want to Golf, play pickleball, softball or other activities you further risk injuries as well. And last but not least, stay away from the multi modal paths where lives are at risk daily.

Agree. 11 years, SECO. Virtually, no disruptions.

20 years. Maybe once or twice for a couple of hours. No generator unless it’s needed for medical reasons.