After a Power Outage, Most Homeowners Forget This Hidden Cost—and It’s the Highest It’s Ever Been

A power outage can be frustrating and disrupt your everyday routine.

It can also be expensive, especially if it lasts for days and you have a fridge full of groceries, as was the case for many residents in Hawaii after Tropical Storm Lala.

With grocery prices rising 2.7% year over year in July 2026 and prices for staple foods like beef and veal expected to jump by over 9.8% this year alone, throwing out spoiled food from an outage can really take a toll on your household budget.

“Many families buy meat in bulk, stock up at warehouse clubs, or keep a second refrigerator or freezer in the garage. Suddenly, an extended outage isn’t threatening $100 or $200 worth of groceries. A household could have hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of food at risk,” explains Ken Goodrich, founder, chairman, and CEO of Generator Partners in Dallas.

By thinking ahead and knowing what to do when a power outage strikes your home, you can reduce food waste and keep your finances in check.

Be proactive before the power goes out

The best time to think about food spoilage in a power outage is before you’re in one.

“Place an appliance thermometer in your fridge and freezer, so you know exactly when food crosses unsafe territory,” says Mike Naughton, founder and CEO of Price to Compare and Integrity Energy in Cleveland.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your fridge should stay at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below while your freezer should stay at 0 degrees or below.

Naughton also recommends keeping your freezer as full as possible. 

“A full freezer can keep food at a safe temperature for up to 48 hours, while a half-full freezer will last about 24 hours,” Naughton explains.

Frozen water jugs, gel packs, and other frozen items take up empty space and may help the freezer retain its cold temperature for longer during a power outage.

Is a generator worth it?

For most households, a basic portable generator costs between $500 to $2,000, which is enough to keep your fridge, freezer, and a few essential devices running during a power outage.

“A full fridge of groceries can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 or more to replace, depending on your family size, and most insurance companies cap food spoilage reimbursement around $500,” explains Naughton. 

Since many outages extend past the four-hour food safety window, a single outage could cover the cost of a basic portable generator in order to avoid food loss alone. 

“The payoff for a basic backup generator goes beyond just groceries. It also means you can stay in the comfort of your own home instead of scrambling for a hotel room, no spoiled medications, and no lost work hours if you work from home,” says Naughton.

Additionally, if you’re in a storm-prone area, a backup generator is a practical purchase that can save a lot of lost groceries and headaches over time.  Plus, it may come in handy if and when you decide to list your home.

“Real estate values vary significantly by market, property, and buyer demand. But what we’re hearing suggests that in outage-prone areas, some buyers are beginning to view permanent backup power less like an optional appliance and more like a desirable home feature,” adds Goodrich. 

What to do when an outage hits

Fortunately, most household refrigerators can keep food safe during a power outage for roughly four hours. However, this time decreases if you open the fridge door a lot.

That’s why one of the simplest things you can do to protect your food during an outage is keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. 

“Every time you open the door, you’re allowing cold air to escape and food to spoil,” says Goodrich.

Don’t forget to move essential items like medications or breast milk to a cooler packed with ice early. If you wait until the fridge is warm to move them, you could compromise their safety.

After the outage has gone on for four hours or more, throw out all perishable food in the fridge. And don’t taste-test food to see if it’s safe. 

Also, take photos of spoiled food and, if possible, keep receipts before you toss it. 

“This type of documentation can help recoup costs through an insurance claim as some insurers offer food spoilage reimbursement,” says Naughton. 

In addition, reach out to your local utility company because it may reimburse you for food spoilage as well, especially if the outage was widespread or prolonged.