Outage planning guides

48-Hour Power Outage Plan

A 48-hour outage plan needs more discipline than a one-day plan because small standby loads become meaningful over two nights.

Use this guide for regional storms, wildfire shutoffs, ice events, or utility repairs where power could be out for two days.

Suggested loads

Load	Watts	Priority	Note
Refrigerator or fridge/freezer combo	120-250 running watts	critical	Food protection is often the largest energy item in a two-day plan.
Phone and radio charging	5-25 watts	critical	Keep alerts available while conserving larger battery capacity.
Router, modem, or hotspot	10-40 watts	useful	Schedule internet use if battery capacity is limited.
LED lights	10-60 watts total	useful	Use room-by-room lighting instead of lighting the whole home.
Fan or small heated throw	20-150 watts	optional	Comfort loads vary widely by season and should be used only when essential loads are covered.

Create a 24-hour load list, then double the energy estimate only for loads that truly run both days.
Schedule refrigerator checks and door openings to reduce compressor runtime.
Choose a charging window for phones, laptops, and battery packs.
Reserve capacity for the second night before using optional loads.
If using a generator, estimate fuel and runtime separately from wattage.

Duration: 48 hours
Estimated energy: 2,500-4,500 Wh for refrigerator cycling, communications, lights, and limited device charging
Battery note: A 2-5 kWh battery setup is a common planning range for essentials across two days, depending on refrigerator duty cycle.
Generator note: A generator can reduce battery size by recharging during planned windows, but safe outdoor operation and fuel storage limits are part of the plan.
Solar note: Solar may offset daytime loads, but cloudy weather can sharply reduce production during storm-related outages.

Keep carbon monoxide alarms active and powered during any generator use.
Do not connect a portable generator to home wiring without proper approved equipment.
Use this as an estimate and consult qualified professionals for permanent wiring decisions.

It can be enough for a very lean plan, but many homes need more if they include a refrigerator, internet, lights, and device charging for both days.

No. A two-day plan usually works better when refrigerator, charging, internet, and comfort loads are scheduled in shifts.