The lights go out, the internet stops working, and suddenly you’re wondering how long the food in your refrigerator will last.
For many homeowners, that worry has already become a reality. A new survey of 2,000 American homeowners, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Sunrun, found that nearly half of those who experienced a power outage in 2026 dealt with spoiled food.
And with many concerned about losing power again, homeowners are taking a closer look at how prepared they really are.
An outage can disrupt the entire household
Spoiled groceries were just one problem homeowners faced when the electricity went out. Others lost heating or cooling, went without internet or cell service, or had to stay with friends or family until their power returned.
Even a relatively short outage can throw off the day’s routine. A longer one can leave families wondering how to keep their homes comfortable, protect their food, and manage essentials that depend on electricity.
Many homeowners weren’t as prepared as they thought
Nearly half of homeowners who experienced an outage said it was a wake-up call about how unprepared they were. Some have since made changes to get ready for the next one, while others are still figuring out what their households would need.
For families who rely on refrigerated medications or electrically powered medical equipment, having a plan is especially important. The same outage that spoils a refrigerator full of groceries can create a much more urgent problem when essential medical needs are involved.
