You might want to look at generators. If I could swing it, I'd put in a large 10KW natural gas generator that would run the whole house off the city gas line.
Since I cannot do that, and even if I could, I'd get a portable generator. Since I don't want to mess with gasoline and it's deterioration and gum up problems, I would go for an LP generator similar in size to the portable gasoline generators.
They run outside, are not as noisy and the fumes aren't as dangerous as gasoline. The LP tanks will do double duty in your gas grill, if, heaven forbid, you have forsaken the flavor of charcoal for the easy life of indoor cooking on an outdoor grill.
Run your TV and radio and maybe a few lights. Get two and run your computer and toaster oven too. Or maybe your refrigerator.