# Smaller generator may suffice for US blackouts, report says

2026-08-13T20:08:02+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

A recent report by Cool Down suggests that US homeowners facing power outages during extreme heat may not need a large backup generator. Prioritising essentials such as a refrigerator, window AC, lights, Wi-Fi router and phones, a midrange portable generator or battery backup could be sufficient, depending on appliance power requirements. To choose the right setup, homeowners should check both the normal running wattage and the higher starting wattage of appliances like refrigerators and ACs. Safety is key: fuel-powered generators must be operated outdoors, away from doors and windows, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

## Coverage

- economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/us-power-outages-are-rising-but-homeowners-may-not-need-a-huge-generator-to-keep-the-ac-refrigerator-and-essentials-running/articleshow/133220511.cms>

Tags: backup generator, carbon monoxide safety, Cool Down report, home preparedness, US power outages
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