If there is a risk that the lights will go out (rather than just get more expensive to run), generators may be a worthwhile contingency back up for lights and low draw appliances. You will need a chunky piece of kit to heat the home, provide hot showers and food.
I am sure I read many years ago that someone had re-purposed an old Fiat engine to provide electricity from the alternator and use surplus combustion heat usually lost through a radiator to heat hot water and radiators.
Otherwise - as about 60% of energy consumption in the UK is for space heating - it probably makes more sense to cover the extra energy cost through buying a set of thermals and turning the heating dow 4 degrees.
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