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Generator Program

Generac Automatic Backup Generator

While we do our best to provide reliable electric service to all of our members, there are circumstances beyond our control that can cause power outages, such as weather, animals or car accidents. But we also offer a powerful solution to ensure you have 100% service reliability.

San Patricio Electric Cooperative is an authorized Generac generator dealer, offering automatic home standby generators to our members. We sell these whole-home generators to our members at cost, so you can enjoy peace of mind at the lowest possible price. A permanently installed automatic standby generator protects your family and home from power outages while providing a quiet, hands-free solution that works when you’re at home or away.

In the event of a power outage, the generator will automatically kick on within 30 seconds of an outage, and will shut off again when power has been restored by SPEC.

If you're interested in installing a backup generator, we would be happy to provide a free home assessment to determine the appropriate size for your generator and provide you with a cost estimate for the generator and installation. If you purchase a generator from SPEC, professional installation is provided through SPEC's licensed electrician or contractor.

If you would like to learn more about our generator program, give us a call at 361-364-2220 extension 151, or fill out the form to the right to get in contact with a representative. We look forward to helping you!

 

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Generator Frequently Asked Questions

What is an automatic backup generator?

An automatic backup generator is a back-up electrical system that will power your home whenever it detects an interruption in service from SPEC. It automatically kicks on within 30 seconds of detecting a power outage, and shuts down as soon as SPEC restores power.  An automatic backup generator will operate whether you are home or away. The system sits outside your home,  just like a central air conditioning unit, and runs on natural gas, liquid propane or diesel.

What size generator would I need?

The size of your generator will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your home and what you would like to power during an outage. We offer a free home assessment to determine the size generator that will work best for your home.

Can a generator run the whole house?

Yes! A backup generator can power everything within your home, so you never have to do without the modern conveniences of electricity. SPEC can help determine what size generator is right for your home to operate the equipment you want or need in an emergency.

Can I just have my air conditioner, refrigerator, and a few lights work if the power goes out?

You can install a generator to run just what you need or want; not too big and not too small.

Why should I buy an automatic generator instead of a portable generator?

During a utility power outage, an automatic backup generator provides many advantages over a portable generator:

  1. The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators as a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.
  2. With an automatic backup generator properly installed outside, your home is protected from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning that is a much greater risk with portable generators.
  3. Running on the home's natural gas or LP fuel supply, it is less expensive to run than gasoline and does not need to be refilled.
  4. They start automatically within seconds of a power outage, and eliminate the need to haul a portable generator outside or run extension cords throughout your home.
  5. They provide protection 24/7, whether you're home or away, and they turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage.
What type of fuel is needed to run the Generac generator?

Most generators we sell run on natural gas or propane. However, it is possible to purchase a generator that runs on diesel. Obtaining a fuel source is not included in SPEC's installation of a standby generator.

How much does a backup generator cost to operate?

It depends. Generac generators operate on either natural gas or propane. The cost is a function of how many home appliances, lights, and heating and/ or cooling equipment you have on, as well as the cost of propane or gas at the time.

What is the average cost for San Patricio Electric Cooperative to install a whole home automatic standby generator?

San Patricio Electric Cooperative will work with you to obtain the best, most cost-effective generator for your home.  Installation costs will vary by system size and other installation considerations, such as how far the generator will be from your breaker box. SPEC offers a free in-home assessment to help you figure out these costs.

What maintenance is required?

We recommend a service check-up and oil change once a year. Schedule a maintenance check just like you would do with your air conditioner or furnace. Your Generac generator will exercise once a week, plus whatever power outages you experience.

Can an automatic backup generator replace utility service?

Automatic generators are a temporary solution to provide electricity to your home in the event of a SPEC power outage. They can be especially beneficial during lengthy outages caused by hurricanes. .

Do I have to push a button to turn the generator on?

Generac generators with automatic transfer switches are just that, automatic. It monitors the electricity flow from SPEC, and if it detects a power outage, the backup generator will automatically turn on. When SPEC restores power, the generator will shut down automatically.

What do I have to do to make the generator work?

Once the generator is professionally installed, there is nothing for the homeowner to do to make it work. Regular maintenance would include having the oil changed once a year by a certified technician.

How do I know the generator is working?

The generator runs a self-diagnostic test and runs briefly once a week for approximately ten minutes. This test will assure the Generac generator is ready when you need it. You tell us when you want the test to run, and we program it for you.

How loud are they?

Generac generators are very quiet. They are average rated at 66 decibels at three meters (about ten feet). That’s about the sound of the A/C running or a phone ringing.

What happens if the generator gets overloaded?

Generac generators are equipped with overload protection. In the rare event of an overload, the generator’s circuit breaker will trip, disconnecting the unit from the load. Simply correct the overload and reset the breaker in the generator. For more information, please consult your owner's manual or contact us.

Who is Generac?

Since 1959, Generac has been designing and manufacturing backup power generators for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Generac has grown to be the world's largest provider of residential backup generators, selling five times as many generators as all of our competitors combined.

How does the Generac OHVI® engine compare to air-cooled engines used in other brands of backup generators?

Unlike other engines used in backup power generation, Generac OHVI engines are made specifically for generators. They are engineered to run for the long periods of time required during a severe power outage or on a job site, utilizing the same type of pressurized oil lubrication used to give automobile engines long and trouble-free lives.

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POWERFUL SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE OF MIND

Make power outages a thing of the past with a home standby generator

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Phone: 361-364-2220 (local) or 888-740-2220 (toll free)

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Physical Address: 402 E. Sinton Street, Sinton, TX, 78387

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  • Home
  • My Account
    • Stop or Start Service
    • Payment and Billing
    • Payment Options
    • Payment Assistance Programs
    • Rates
    • Service Fees
    • Electrician Services
    • Meter Loop Diagrams
    • Outdoor Lighting Program
    • Tax Exempt Forms
    • SmartHub
    • Critical Care & Critical Load
  • Outages & Safety
    • Report an Outage
    • Outage Map
    • Electricity Safety
    • Electricity 101
    • School Safety Program
    • Storm Safety Tips
    • Call Before You Dig
  • Manage Energy
    • Home Efficiency Checkup
    • Energy Savings Tips
    • Renewable Energy
    • Generator Program
    • Kids Energy Zone
  • Member Perks
    • Scholarship
    • Youth Tour
    • Annual Meeting
    • Capital Credits
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  • About SPEC
    • About SPEC
    • Contact Us
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    • Frequently Asked Questions