in all of those 36 years I've only worked a jobsite once that didn't have power...a generator was supplied by the contractor if he wanted my work, and that machine really didn't cut it....table saw...miter saws...compressor...nope, really didn't cut with all of those tools running simultaneously....yeah, I know, needed a more powerful unit...again, not mine... a decent generator capable of running most of a house is not cheap...I'm reconsidering that stance and thinking about it...having one of course requires storing a goodly amount of fuel as if you need it you most likely can't go to the pumps because they don't either... we've had the power go out now and again in the 20 years I've lived in this house, but this past event was beyond the pale and completely out of the ordinary...never before have I had to throw away a whole refrigerator of food because it's never been out that long (underground service)