Are 60kw Propane Generators Adequate for Powering Multiple Homes?

The adequacy of a 60kw propane generator for powering multiple homes hinges on several factors, including the specific load requirements of each home. Your question implicitly acknowledges the importance of knowing the load requirements for each home to make an accurate assessment. However, I can offer some insights based on the average load and peak demand expectations in different scenarios.

Understanding Load Requirements

Without knowing the specific load requirements for each home, the 60kw propane generator is challenging to assess definitively. It is important to consider the typical load requirements for each home, which include central heating, electric appliances (such as range and water heaters), and the potential use of electric power during peak demand periods, such as during cold snaps or evenings when high electrical demands increase.

Peak Demand and Load Calculation

In areas where homes are predominantly heated with natural gas, the average electrical demand is significantly lower. In my town in Alaska, the average residence uses only 540 kWh a month, under 1 kW on average. However, during peak demand periods, such as evenings when people return from work, start cooking dinner, stream videos, do laundry, and charge their electric vehicles (EVs), the load can spike. In such areas, the peak demand for 5 houses might range around 12 kW unless one or more homes have significant additional electrical loads like EVs, hot tubs, or other high-load appliances.

However, if all 5 homes are fully electric with appliances like water heaters, stoves, dryers, and central heating, the situation changes. Under these conditions, the 60kw generator would be insufficient during a cold snap, as the combined electrical demand could exceed 60kw, especially when all major appliances are in use simultaneously.

Emergency Preparedness

From an emergency perspective, a 60kw propane generator can provide a significant amount of power, especially for essential services. It is adequate for running lights, TV, computers, and basic refrigeration equipment in all 5 homes simultaneously, but it is unlikely to cover the full range of electrical needs for multiple households. For example:

The generator might support all homes with basic lighting and minor electronics. Fridges and freezers should be adequately powered, but you might only be able to service one household at a time. Water heating and cooking might be possible for one or two households simultaneously.

Given a 250 Amp supply limit, many homes are typically wired for 100A or 200A intake supplies, making the 60kw generator a reasonable choice for emergency backup power, but not for simultaneous high demand across multiple homes.

Conclusion

In summary, the adequacy of a 60kw propane generator for powering 5 homes varies widely depending on the specific load requirements of each home. It is crucial to gather detailed information about the electrical appliances and usage patterns in each home to make an accurate assessment. For emergency preparedness, it might be prudent to look into larger generator options or consider additional power sources.