If you live in southeastern Minnesota, you've seen it happen. An ice storm rolls through in February, power lines sag under the weight, and suddenly the lights go out. The furnace stops. The sump pump quits. The freezer starts thawing. And all you can do is wait.

Power outages during peak winter aren't just inconvenient—they can be dangerous. Pipes freeze. Livestock lose heat. Families huddle under blankets hoping the utility crew gets there before things get serious.

At High Plains Cooperative, we've partnered with Generac to offer a better answer: automatic standby generators powered by propane. Here's what you need to know about why February is the right time to start thinking about one.

⚡ What's Really at Stake During a Winter Outage

A summer power outage means warm rooms and spoiled food. A winter outage in Minnesota means all of that plus the risk of frozen pipes, failed heating systems, and real danger for vulnerable family members and livestock.

The reality is that rural areas are often the last to get power restored. Utility crews prioritize population centers first. If you're on a long rural line, you could be looking at days without electricity—right in the coldest stretch of the year.

🔋 Why Generac + Propane Is the Winning Combination

A Generac automatic standby generator does something no space heater, flashlight, or filled bathtub can do: it restores your entire home's power within seconds of an outage—automatically, even if you're not home.

Here's how it works:

• Automatic transfer switch detects the outage and starts the generator within 10 seconds—no manual startup, no running outside in the cold.
• Propane-powered means no gasoline to store, no diesel to worry about gelling, and no refueling runs during a storm. Your existing propane tank keeps it fed.
• Whole-home coverage — furnace, well pump, sump pump, refrigerator, lights, and medical equipment all stay running.
• Quiet operation — modern Generac units run significantly quieter than portable generators and are designed for residential areas.
• Built to last — aluminum enclosures resist rust and corrosion, even through Minnesota winters.

🏠 Who Benefits Most from a Standby Generator?

While any home benefits from backup power, certain situations make it especially important:

• Homes with well water — No power means no water pressure. No flushing, no drinking water, no fire suppression.
• Sump pump-dependent basements — A winter thaw or spring melt during an outage can mean thousands in flood damage.
• Families with medical equipment — CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and refrigerated medications can't afford downtime.
• Livestock operations — Heating systems, ventilation fans, and automatic waterers all need consistent power.
• Older homes — Less insulation means indoor temperatures drop faster, increasing freeze risk.
• Remote properties — The farther you are from town, the longer you'll likely wait for power restoration.

📅 Why February Is the Time to Plan

Most people think about generators after they've sat through an outage. By then, demand spikes and wait times for installation stretch out. February is actually the smartest time to start the conversation:

• Spring installation slots fill fast — get on the schedule now before the rush hits.
• Sizing takes planning — our team needs to evaluate your home's electrical load, propane setup, and placement options. That takes a site visit, not a phone call.
• Financing options are available — spreading the cost makes it easier than most people expect.
• You're still in winter — the urgency is real and fresh, which makes it the best time to act on it.

⚖️ Portable Generator vs. Automatic Standby

Some people wonder if a portable generator is good enough. Here's the honest comparison:

• Portable — cheaper upfront, but requires manual startup, outdoor placement in bad weather, gasoline refueling, and extension cords. Powers only a few circuits. Carbon monoxide risk if used improperly.
• Automatic standby — higher upfront cost, but starts itself, powers the whole house, runs on your existing propane supply, and operates safely without any action on your part. Adds value to your property.

For occasional camping trips, a portable works fine. For protecting your home and family during a Minnesota winter outage, there's no real substitute for a standby unit.

🤝 Your Local Energy Partner

High Plains Cooperative has been serving southeastern Minnesota since 1931. We're not a big-box store selling generators off a shelf—we're your neighbors, your propane supplier, and your Generac-authorized dealer all in one. When the power goes out, we're the team you already know and trust.

Don't wait for the next outage to make a plan. Give us a call, and let's make sure you're ready for whatever the rest of winter—and next winter—throws your way.

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