What You’ll Learn
Why do I need emergency propane delivery if I have a backup generator?
Because your generator burns through propane quickly—usually in just a few hours.
Without emergency delivery, you could run out mid-outage and lose power completely.
Emergency propane programs use tank monitors to track your usage and automatically schedule refills when you need them most, even after hours.
In this blog:
This blog was updated March 2026.
The storm warnings came three days ago.
You stocked up on water, batteries, and canned goods. What you didn’t stock up on? Propane.
Now the power’s been out for six hours, your generator has been running on fumes, and that 30% tank reading is dropping faster than the temperature outside.
A backup generator is only as good as the fuel feeding it. And when the lights go out everywhere, “I’ll just run to the station” isn’t an option.
Why generator owners need emergency delivery
If you’re a propane customer who also uses a backup generator for your home and your propane provider doesn’t have an emergency propane delivery program, you could be in some trouble during a power outage.
While the backup generator will power your home for a few hours, it also drains your propane tank quickly. You need to have a way to refuel your propane if the outage lasts more than a few hours.
How backup generators benefit propane customers
Backup generators make sense if your home is prone to power outages. When the power goes out, propane generators benefit homeowners by keeping the lights on and helping them avoid food spoilage.
The type of generator you choose (portable or stationary) depends on your propane usage and what you want to power. Even if you are conservative with power use, the generator can only last for a few hours before you need a propane refill.
If you run out, you’re left in the dark (which is not what you signed up for when you bought the generator).
A company that offers emergency propane delivery can ensure you are on the list to have your propane refilled in the event of a blackout.
Customers with backup generators need emergency propane delivery
An automatic propane gas delivery program is one way your propane company can track your usage and prepare for emergencies.
When you enroll, they install a monitor on your tank that alerts them to your usage.
When an emergency hits, they can see your usage and schedule your emergency delivery.
In an emergency propane delivery, propane works in your favor because your propane provider adapts to your situation and refills your tank after hours, when you need it most.
This way, you don’t need to call for refills.
What you should expect from an emergency propane delivery service
When a propane provider offers emergency propane delivery, they’ll have to be flexible to work after hours. In an emergency, refueling can’t wait until morning.
They’ll more than likely have a separate program for customers like you. Emergency propane delivery means your propane provider will need additional:
- Locations for propane storage
- Vehicles for emergency dispatch
These backup resources are needed since power outages usually affect more than one house.
Your propane provider will need those extra resources to meet high propane demand from many customers and ensure they can cover worst-case scenarios.
Emergency propane delivery with Kauffman Gas
Kauffman Gas has tested propane monitors and has used the one that best supports our service to customers. Kauffman’s Backup Generator Program monitors clients with propane backup generators to a higher degree so that power outages aren’t a problem.
Our monitors signal our dispatch team when a customer’s tank drops below 30% capacity, then we refill the tank. It’s become an incredibly effective program for Kauffman customers. They’ll be there before the stove gets cold.
Stay powered through every outage
Your generator is your home’s lifeline when the grid goes down. Make sure it never runs dry.
Become a Kauffman Gas customer today and enroll in our Backup Generator Program. We’ll monitor your tank and deliver before you even know you’re running low.
FAQs
How long will my generator run on a full propane tank?
It depends on your tank size and generator usage, but most generators burn through propane in just a few hours of continuous operation.
That’s why having an emergency delivery plan is essential for extended outages.
What’s the difference between automatic delivery and emergency delivery?
Automatic delivery uses regular usage patterns to schedule routine fills.
Emergency delivery kicks in during power outages when your generator is running constantly—your provider monitors your tank in real time and refills it before it drops too low.
How does Kauffman Gas know when I need propane during an outage?
We install monitors on your tank that signal our dispatch team when levels drop below 30%.
This happens automatically—you don’t need to call or even think about it.