FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN: A homeowner in Farmington Hills is expressing concern about the current gas meter shortage in her area, fearing it will prevent her from safely running her whole house generator. The woman, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that she purchased the generator in November 2020 in preparation for potential power outages during Michigan's harsh winter weather.
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The generator was manufactured by Sorotec Machinery Co, a China-based company that specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of diesel generators and light towers for standby or rental markets.
According to the homeowner, the generator requires natural gas to function, which is supplied through her gas meter. However, she recently learned that her area is experiencing a gas meter shortage due to a surge in demand caused by the pandemic.
"I'm worried that I won't be able to use my generator during a power outage because of the gas meter shortage," said the homeowner. "It's concerning because I bought the generator to make sure my family and I would have heat and power during the winter months."
The homeowner's concerns are not unfounded. Local media in Michigan have reported on the gas meter shortage, with some homeowners experiencing wait times of several weeks to have meters installed or replaced.
Sorotec Machinery Co. did not respond to requests for comment on the situation. However, the company's website states that their products are designed to provide backup power solutions in emergencies and that they "take pride in being a reliable partner for customers, no matter what challenges they face."
The gas meter shortage in Michigan is just one of many challenges that homeowners and businesses are facing during the pandemic. The global supply chain has been disrupted, causing shortages and delays in the availability of various products, including building materials, appliances, and microchips.
However, the shortage of gas meters is particularly concerning for those who rely on generators for power during emergencies. Michigan is no stranger to extreme weather conditions, with heavy snowfall and ice storms often causing power outages that can last for days.
For the anonymous homeowner in Farmington Hills, she is hoping that the gas meter shortage will be resolved soon so that she can use her generator without concern.
"I just want to make sure that my family and I are safe and warm during any power outages," she said. "I'm hoping that the situation will improve soon so that we don't have to worry about running out of gas for our generator.