Thanks for dropping by Wrooster.
I do understand all the cost factors you are citing. What I was referring to was just the fueling costs. My way of looking at residential use (we all do our situ specific calculations....) goes something like this....... IF you have decided that you want an automatic standby system, THEN the primary operating costs are going to be fuel - at least for those of us inclined to do our own PM and service. I'm assuming typical residential use (ie. not 12 hours/day x 365).
As a % of the value of housing, these systems continue to get more cost effective - at least anywhere near most major cities.
I just came back from an area of Canada where the elec rate is something like 40c/kwh. Ontario is not that bad, yet......... but sometimes it does feel like we'd get a better deal if the wiseguys were running the show...... when your province is broke, the temptation to get out the "Revenue Tools" and yank up the price of electricity twice a year or more is just too tempting...... I've come to view the situation as much like giving a junkie the keys to a Pharmacy.
Rgds, D.
