I've never felt the need for a generator for a number of reasons:
1. I has been literally 13 years since the last power outage that lasted more than 2 hours.
2. During a short outage you can simply do without. We have a propane stovetop for cooking and city water. All we lack is heat because the oil burner needs power.
3. During a long outage, it is difficult to store and replenish enough fuel to make it worthwhile.

Case in point, my parents live further north and very rural. They finally have a generator to keep the water and furnace running. This past week my dad has burned much more gas driving around looking for gas than he has obtained so far.

Rant on rationing to follow shortly.