How Do You Get Your Natural Gas Generator Ready for Storm Season?
When storm season approaches in Florida, preparation is key for many homes and businesses; that includes having a natural gas generator ready to provide backup power.
Natural gas generators can be a reliable part of your emergency plan. But like any piece of equipment, their performance depends on thoughtful planning, proper setup, and understanding how they work during high-demand conditions.
Here’s what to know to help ensure your generator is ready when you need it most.
How Can You Tell If Your Generator Is Ready for a Power Outage?
Before a storm is in the forecast, take time to make sure your generator is in good working condition:
- Test your generator regularly to confirm it starts and runs properly
- Schedule routine maintenance with a qualified professional
- Check connections and fuel lines for any visible issues
- Review your manufacturer guidelines for recommended upkeep
A well-maintained generator is more likely to perform when conditions change quickly.
Why Does Planning Ahead Improve Generator Performance?
Natural gas generators are a valuable backup power solution, but performance during major weather events can depend on several factors, including system demand and how your generator is installed and sized.
That’s why early planning is important:
- Make sure your system is properly sized for your home or business needs
- Work with qualified, knowledgeable installers
- Understand what your generator can and cannot power during an outage
- Have backup plans in place for critical needs
Planning ahead helps set realistic expectations and improve reliability when it matters most.
Why Should You Notify Peoples Gas About Your Generator?
One of the most important steps you can take is notifying Peoples Gas if you have or plan to install a natural gas generator.
Many customers don't realize that generator usage contributes to the overall demand on the natural gas system during severe weather events. When Peoples Gas has a better understanding of where generators are located and how many customers rely on them for backup power, we can make more informed decisions about system planning, infrastructure investments, and future capacity needs.
Why letting us know about your generator matters:
- Helps Peoples Gas better understand current and future demand across the system
- Supports long-term planning and infrastructure investments
- Strengthens overall system reliability during periods of high usage
- Helps improve service resiliency for all customers, especially during storm events
- Allows us to make data-driven decisions that benefit the communities we serve
If you already have a generator installed, it's not too late. Notifying us about your generator is a simple step that can have a big impact on the reliability of the natural gas system for everyone. Submit a simple online form today.
How Is Peoples Gas Strengthening the System for Storm Season and Beyond?
While customers prepare at home, Peoples Gas is continually working behind the scenes to strengthen the natural gas system.
We are actively investing in:
- Infrastructure upgrades and modernization
- Increased capacity in high-demand areas
- Enhanced system monitoring and operations
- Preventive maintenance and safety improvements
These efforts are designed to support everyday reliability while improving performance during periods of elevated demand like storms and extreme weather events.
Who Is Responsible for Reliable Backup Power During Storms?
Reliable backup power is a shared responsibility.
While Peoples Gas continues to invest in system upgrades, capacity improvements, and enhanced monitoring, customers and contractors also play an important role in supporting safe and reliable generator operations.
Generator performance during a storm can depend on:
- The natural gas system capacity in your area
- Adequately sized meters and regulators to meet generator load requirements
- Proper installation by qualified professionals
- Routine maintenance and testing
- Planning and preparation before a storm arrives
- Accurate reporting of generators to Peoples Gas
Every reported generator helps provide a more complete picture of system demand and contributes to smarter planning decisions that benefit all customers. By keeping your equipment maintained, ensuring it is properly installed, and notifying Peoples Gas of its use, you are helping strengthen the resiliency of the natural gas system.
Storm preparation is a partnership. By working together, customers, contractors, and Peoples Gas can help improve system reliability, support safer operations, and strengthen our communities' ability to prepare for and recover from severe weather.
Portable Generators are Different. How Should You Safely Use One During a Storm?
Portable generators can provide temporary power during an outage, but improper use can create serious safety hazards.
Can You Plug a Portable Generator into Your Home's Electrical Circuits?
No. Portable generators should only be plugged directly into the appliances they are intended to power unless a properly installed transfer switch is used.
Plugging a generator directly into your home’s electrical circuits can send electricity back onto utility power lines, creating a dangerous condition known as back feeding. This poses a serious risk to line workers restoring power and can damage electrical equipment.
Portable generator safety tips:
- Plug generators directly into select appliances.
- Never connect a generator directly to household wiring without a professionally installed transfer switch.
- Follow all manufacturer instructions for safe operation.
Where Should You Place a Portable Generator?
Always operate portable generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. Never operate a generator in a garage, enclosed space, or near windows, doors, air conditioning units, or ventilation systems that could allow exhaust fumes to enter a building.
To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Keep generators outdoors at all times.
- Place generators away from windows, doors, and air intake vents.
- Never operate a generator inside a garage, even with the door open.
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in your home or business.
Following these precautions can help keep you, your family, and emergency crews safe during storm-related power outages.
What Should You Do Now to Stay Prepared Through Storm Season?
As you prepare for the season:
- Test and maintain your generator regularly
- Confirm your system is properly sized for your needs
- Report your generator to Peoples Gas
- Review your emergency preparedness plan
- Stay informed and have a backup plan in place
Remember, generator readiness is more than maintaining equipment. Taking the time to report your generator helps Peoples Gas better plan for future demand, strengthen the system, and support reliable service during the moments when customers need it most.
Natural gas plays an important role in helping Florida communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from severe weather. With the right planning and coordination, your generator can be a dependable part of that plan. For more info on storm season safety tips, visit Storm Safety.