How Much Does It Cost to Run a Home Generator in Ontario?

Home standby generators offer unmatched peace of mind during power outages, but many Ontario homeowners hesitate at the thought of ongoing expenses. While the upfront investment is often discussed, the real question for many families is: “How much will it cost me to run my generator—monthly, seasonally, or during an extended outage?”

In this comprehensive guide, we break down the operational costs of running a home generator in Ontario, comparing fuel types, generator sizes, maintenance requirements, and local fuel prices. Whether you’re powering your entire home or just the essentials, you’ll come away with a clear understanding of what to expect.

Why Generator Running Costs Matter

Generators are not one-time purchases. Like a car, they require fuel, regular maintenance, and occasional repairs to stay reliable. Understanding operational costs helps you:

• Budget realistically for emergencies or seasonal use
• Select the right fuel source for your location and usage
• Optimize fuel consumption through smart load management
• Justify the investment with peace of mind and ROI

Factors That Affect Generator Running Costs

Several key factors influence how much it costs to run a home generator:

1. Generator Size (kW Output)

• A 10–13kW generator consumes significantly less fuel than a 24–26kW model.
• The more appliances and circuits your generator powers, the more fuel it will consume.

2. Fuel Type

• Propane: Easy to store, available in rural areas, moderately priced.
• Natural Gas: Connected to your home supply; priced per cubic meter.
• Diesel: Less common in residential standby units, but efficient.

3. Fuel Prices in Ontario

• Propane: ~$0.80–$1.20/litre
• Natural Gas: ~$0.25–$0.40/cubic meter
• Prices vary based on region, supplier, and time of year.

4. Usage Hours

• Occasional outages (10–20 hours/year) vs prolonged outages (100+ hours/year).

5. Efficiency of the Generator

• Newer units (e.g., Generac Guardian Series) are optimized for lower fuel consumption.
• Maintenance also impacts performance and efficiency.

Fuel Consumption by Generator Size

Below is a general overview of fuel consumption rates for Generac home standby generators, assuming a 50–100% load:

Note: Natural gas consumption is measured in cubic meters (m3), while propane is measured in litres.

Realistic Monthly & Seasonal Generator Running Costs in Ontario

Let’s look at practical examples based on typical outages and fuel rates in Southern Ontario.

Scenario 1: Light Use (10kW Generator, 20 Hours/Year)

• Fuel: Natural Gas ($0.30/m3)
• Total Consumption: ~60 m3/year
• Annual Cost: $18
• Monthly Average: $1.50

This is typical for suburban areas like Vaughan, Newmarket, or Mississauga where outages are infrequent.

Scenario 2: Moderate Use (14kW Generator, 50 Hours/Year)

• Fuel: Propane ($1.00/litre)
• Total Consumption: ~180 litres
• Annual Cost: $180
• Monthly Average: $15

Applies to older homes or neighborhoods with more frequent brownouts (e.g., cottage towns like Orillia or Uxbridge).

Scenario 3: Heavy Use (22kW Generator, 150 Hours/Year)

• Fuel: Natural Gas ($0.35/m3)
• Total Consumption: ~975 m3
• Annual Cost: $341.25
• Monthly Average: $28.44

Represents households in rural Ontario that rely on backup power often—especially during winter storms or grid maintenance outages.

Scenario 4: Extended Outage (24kW Generator, 72-Hour Storm)

• Fuel: Propane ($1.10/litre)
• Consumption: ~504 litres
• Cost for One Event: $554.40

This reflects a major weather event—like the April 2023 Ontario ice storm—that knocked out power for days.

Cost of Generator Maintenance in Ontario

Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your generator running efficiently.

Recommended Maintenance Costs:

• Annual inspection & tune-up: $250–$450
• Oil & filter change (every 200 hours or annually): $100–$200
• Battery replacement (every 3–5 years): $120–$200
• Cold weather kit (optional): $350–$500 (one-time cost)

Total Annual Maintenance Estimate:

Bundling your generator into a service plan (like those offered by Generator Experts) can reduce unexpected costs and extend lifespan.

Ways to Reduce Generator Running Costs

1. Smart Load Management

Use Smart Management Modules (SMMs) or smart panels to prioritize essential loads—like heating, sump pumps, and lighting—while deferring heavy-use devices.

2. Routine Servicing

Poorly maintained generators burn more fuel. Keeping the engine clean, filters replaced, and spark plugs inspected ensures optimal performance.

3. Propane Tank Monitoring

Avoid emergency fills (often charged at a premium) by installing a smart tank monitor.

4. Right-Sizing Your Generator

Bigger isn’t always better. Overestimating your needs can double your running costs unnecessarily.

Should You Choose Natural Gas or Propane?

Verdict: If your home already has natural gas, it’s usually the more cost-effective and convenient option. If you’re in a rural area, propane offers independence and reliability.

Comparing Costs: Standby vs Portable Generator

While portable generators may seem cheaper upfront, their running costs are often higher, and their lack of automation makes them impractical for longer outages.

Ontario Case Studies

Mark in Aurora

System: 14kW Generac Guardian (natural gas)
Usage: 10–15 hours/year
Total Annual Cost: ~$40 (fuel) + $300 (maintenance)

“We hardly notice it’s running, but it’s saved our basement from flooding twice. The running cost is less than my monthly cell bill.”

Sarah in Kawartha Lakes

System: 22kW propane standby with 500L tank
Usage: ~80 hours/year due to frequent outages
Annual Cost: ~$650 (fuel) + $400 (maintenance)

“After the 2023 storm, we realized it was worth every penny. Now we keep the tank topped up before every winter.”

Final Thoughts: Budgeting for Peace of Mind

While the cost to run a home generator in Ontario varies by region, usage, and fuel type, most homeowners spend less than $50/month on average, including maintenance. In return, you gain full control over your home’s comfort, safety, and essential systems during unpredictable power disruptions.

If you’re planning to install or upgrade your standby generator, Generator Experts offers:

• Free on-site assessments
• Accurate fuel and cost estimates
• Turnkey installation and setup
• Financing options to help spread the cost

Don’t wait for the next outage to think about your power. Contact us today to learn more about installing the right generator—and what it really costs to keep your lights on.