We are in RURAL Northern California-almost burned out by the Bear Fire rural. On a Well. PG&E shuts off our power; no water, no heat, no lights. Last night the power was off for a system upgrade. They chose to do it from 10 pm to 7 am because it would effect "fewer customers." Middle of the night, when it is coldest outside and dark. Why not during the day when it's light and somewhat warmer--and what about those of us who use C-PAP machines? Yes, we were prepared; water for flushing toilet and washing hands (cold, of course) and extra blankets and shut off empty rooms, so we did OK. But all these shut-offs are requiring me to purchase and install a Generator--cost is somewhere between $6k and $10K-not only do I have to buy the generator, and the propane tank to fuel it, but the county insists I use a Licensed Electrician to install it. Never mind that they want to charge $600 to have an inspector come out and give his OK. If he's so knowledgeable, why can't he tell me if I wired it wrong? Mind you, this is a simple wiring job as the whole house system is on its own breaker, so the crossover switch for the generator is VERY simple to do. And NO, PG&E is not offering to help out. And, as was pointed out, how green is this? It's sort of like using a diesel generator to power your electric car's charging station.
If I sound frustrated, I am! OH, train content (well sort of), I'm thinking of putting up a RR style water tower for a back-up system. This is also an expensive idea.