Is it Expensive to Run a Natural Gas Generator?
The cost of running a natural gas generator depends on several factors, including the size of the generator, how much power you need, local natural gas prices, and how often you use it. Here are some key points that influence the cost:
1. Fuel Consumption
- Natural gas generators generally consume between 7 to 15 cubic feet of natural gas per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity produced, depending on their efficiency and size.
- For example, a 10 kW generator might use around 100 cubic feet of natural gas per hour under full load.
2. Cost of Natural Gas
- The price of natural gas can vary widely depending on location, but a common residential price is around $10-$15 per 1,000 cubic feet.
- If your generator uses 100 cubic feet per hour, and natural gas costs $10 per 1,000 cubic feet, it would cost approximately $1 per hour to run a 10 kW generator.
3. Power Demand
- The cost will vary based on how much power you need to generate. Larger loads require more fuel, so the cost of running the generator will increase with higher energy consumption.
4. Efficiency
- Newer, well-maintained natural gas generators tend to be more efficient, meaning they use less gas per kWh of power produced.
- Running the generator at partial load (less than full capacity) can sometimes be less efficient and increase fuel consumption.
5. Maintenance Costs
- Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, filters, and part replacements, adds to the overall operational costs, although natural gas generators tend to have lower maintenance costs compared to other types of generators.
In summary, running a natural gas generator can be affordable, especially when compared to diesel or propane, but the actual cost will depend on your specific usage and local gas prices. For occasional use or backup power, it’s typically less expensive than using electricity from the grid. However, if used continuously, the costs can add up depending on the size of the generator and fuel prices.
