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baxterstate t1_j1m3gy2 wrote

Reply to comment by westplains1865 in Factbox: About 1.2 million without power in United States from winter storms by Smithy2232

I live in Maine. We have a lot of trees. I noticed the power company cutting back the trees and branches two years ago and asked them out of curiosity, why haven’t they been doing it for the past 5 years. I was told every county is on a rotating schedule; they don’t have the manpower to cut in every area, every year. Seems to me it would be better in the long run to hire a full staff and act preemptively rather than have to import workers from far away at huge overtime wages. Meanwhile, I advise you to get an emergency generator.

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westplains1865 t1_j1m8vd8 wrote

Thanks, I appreciate the response. Would you also recommend a wood or wood pelet stove? They seem to be popular and I've been trying to lean about them. I'm coming from Illinois and will miss the cheap and readily available natural gas.

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baxterstate t1_j1muvc5 wrote

Wood pellet stoves still need electricity. Wood stoves don’t. However, pellet stoves are more efficient. Get an emergency generator first, professionally installed with a transfer switch so you don’t electrocute a lineman trying to restore power. Then check out various heating methods. If you plan to rent the house or have guests while you’re not there, I wouldn’t get a wood stove.

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