We've had a few extended blackouts over the years, one from a direct hit from Hurricane Fran, another from a freak snowstorm that dumped 19 inches (48cm for you metric folks) on us in one night, yet another from freezing rain that took down the power lines. (Nasty stuff, that freezing rain.) A couple of years back, we had a guy come out and give us an estimate on a back-up generator that would run off the gas lines, which are underground and usually not affected by the weather. I couldn't see dropping $13K, so we didn't do it, but I know the next time we have an extended power outage, the Sweet Lady is gonna let me hear about it.