Why 2026 is the Year Many Colorado Homeowners Finally Buy a Generator

For a long time, buying a home generator has been one of those “eventually” decisions.
Eventually when outages get worse.
Eventually when it feels necessary instead of optional.
Eventually when the idea moves from the back of the mind to the front.

For many Colorado homeowners, the events of the past year may have quietly shifted that timeline.

After widespread preventative power shutoffs left tens of thousands of residents without electricity for extended periods, the question isn’t really if power disruptions will happen again — it’s when. As we move into 2026, more homeowners are realizing this may be the year preparation finally makes more sense than waiting.

Power Shutoffs Are Becoming Part of Life in Colorado  

Public Safety Power Shutoffs were once seen as a California-specific issue. That’s no longer the case. Utilities in Colorado have made it clear that proactively shutting off power during periods of extreme wildfire risk is now a legitimate safety strategy.

With drier conditions, stronger winds, and longer wildfire seasons becoming more common, these shutoffs are not anomalies — they’re risk management. And while they’re intended to protect lives and property, they also mean that power outages can be planned, widespread, and longer-lasting than many homeowners are used to.

The result is a growing sense that reliable backup power isn’t just about storms anymore. It’s about adapting to a new reality.

Why Waiting Has Become Riskier Than Acting  

Historically, many people delayed generator purchases under the assumption that outages were rare or short-lived. That assumption is increasingly difficult to justify.

Homes today are deeply dependent on electricity in ways they weren’t even a decade ago. Remote work setups, internet-connected security systems, smart climate controls, and electrically powered medical devices all turn a power outage from an inconvenience into a serious disruption. When outages stretch into many hours or days, that disruption compounds quickly.

There’s also a practical side to timing. As more homeowners decide they need backup power, demand rises. That often translates into longer lead times for equipment and installation, particularly during peak seasons following major outage events. Planning ahead — rather than reacting after the next shutoff — offers homeowners more control, more options, and less stress.

Why Standby Generators Are Gaining Attention  

Many homeowners initially explore portable generators as a solution, and for short-term emergencies, they can be helpful. But portable power comes with tradeoffs: manual setup, fuel management, extension cords, and constant attention during an outage.

That’s why interest has increasingly shifted toward permanently installed home standby generators. A standby generator monitors utility power automatically and restores electricity within seconds of an outage — without homeowner intervention. It’s designed to run safely outdoors, quietly, and for extended periods, keeping essential systems (or even the entire home) powered until the grid comes back online.

For homeowners who have experienced multi-day outages, that difference is significant.

The Case for Cummins Residential Generators  

When homeowners decide to invest in a standby generator, reliability becomes the most important factor. Systems need to work in extreme cold, high winds, and unpredictable conditions — exactly the scenarios that often cause outages in Colorado.

Residential generators from Cummins are engineered for that kind of performance. Known for durability and consistent operation, Cummins standby generators are designed to deliver dependable power during long outages while operating quietly enough for residential neighborhoods.

Available through Rocky Mountain Generator Supply, these systems can be sized to support essential circuits or provide whole-home coverage, depending on a homeowner’s needs. The goal isn’t excess — it’s confidence.

For Homes With Medical Power Needs, the Decision Is Clearer  

For households that rely on powered medical equipment, backup power moves out of the “nice to have” category entirely. Devices like oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, refrigerated medications, and powered mobility equipment don’t pause when the grid goes down.

Preventative shutoffs are often announced in advance, but health needs don’t wait for restoration timelines. A standby generator ensures continuity — not just comfort — during outages that may last far longer than expected.

Why 2026 Feels Like the Tipping Point  

Buying a home generator is rarely an impulse decision. It usually comes after a moment of realization — standing in a dark house, watching food spoil, worrying about safety, or hoping power comes back before it becomes a real problem.

For many Colorado homeowners, that moment has already happened.

2026 represents a shift from reacting to outages toward preparing for them. With preventative shutoffs becoming more common and home electrical dependence continuing to grow, the logic behind installing a standby generator has become simpler and more compelling.

If you’ve been considering a generator for years, this may be the year it finally makes sense to act.

To explore Cummins residential standby generators and find a solution tailored to your home, connect with the experts at Rocky Mountain Generator Supply.