I have a whole house generator that I installed about 6 years ago. While I agree that installing a generator can be pricey, I guess it is a matter of personal needs. If you live near a main line, your power wont be out for very long. But if you are out in the boondocks, or have an ice storm, you could be without heat for days. If you have a summer cottage, maybe not necessary, but if you live around here year round I don't think you would want to live with the consequences of having no heat if there is no way to heat your home. We are way overdue for an ice storm of the kind that hit just south of the lakes region. I am glad that I got my generator as we have been without power for up to 12 hrs. just in the last 10 years and that is with the town (Wolfeboro) upgrading our power grid. My 2 cents worth.
