Rising demand for generators as storm-weary residents seek power solutions

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Interest in generators has surged as more people seek reliable power during and after storms.

Following Hurricane Ida, M.E. Cormier, a Baton Rouge resident, decided to invest in a whole-home generator.

"With two young children, we wanted to make sure we had set up for success in future storms," she said.

Paul Blanchard, a sales representative with Lightning Service, says business has been non-stop since Hurricane Francine. Customers with generators are seeking maintenance, while others are considering new purchases.

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"People don't have them, they've been out of power for a couple of days, they start getting concerned so they are looking for some type of way to be taken care of," Blanchard said.

Blanchard explained that those in the market for generators have several options, including gas, dual fuel, or solar-powered machines.

Buyers can also choose between portable generators, which start at around $500, and standby whole-home systems, which can cost up to $30,000, depending on the size and the necessary electrical and gas line upgrades.

The installation process for whole-home generators can take time.

"Depending on what parish it is, where we are actually working at, timeline it could be a few weeks before we're even issued a permit," Blanchard noted.

Whether portable or standby, safety is a critical factor, Blanchard recommends following manufacturer and local guidelines for placement and using carbon monoxide detectors in homes.