Updated October 2026
Power outages, ice storms and grid problems happen in Toronto every winter. A backup generator only protects your business if it has fuel when the power goes out, and if you can refuel it while the outage lasts.
This guide covers how to plan backup generator fueling, what to do when you need emergency generator refueling, and what to have ready when you call a fuel supplier.
Who Needs Backup Generator Fueling
Any site that cannot stop when the power does:
- Hospitals, clinics and long-term care homes
- Data centres and telecom sites
- Office and residential buildings with emergency systems
- Manufacturing and cold storage
- Construction sites and event venues running on temporary power
Not sure what size of generator your site needs? Read our quick guide to generator sizing.
Plan Your Generator Fuel Before the Outage
The cheapest emergency refuel is the one you never need. A few steps keep your generator ready:
- Know your run time. Check your generator’s fuel use at your typical load in the manufacturer’s specs, then work out how many hours a full tank gives you.
- Keep the tank full. Set up scheduled deliveries so the tank is topped up before storm season, not during it.
- Count your test runs. Monthly tests burn fuel. Track the level so a test does not leave you short.
- Watch fuel age. Diesel that sits for a long time can degrade or collect water. Have the tank and fuel checked on a regular schedule.
- Use the right fuel. Stationary generators are an eligible off-road use for dyed diesel. Keep it in its own tank and never mix it with clear diesel. See can you mix dyed and clear diesel for the rules in Ontario.
Emergency Generator Refueling During an Outage
Long outages are when every business calls for fuel at the same time. To get refuelled faster:
- Call as soon as you know the outage will outlast your fuel, not when the tank is nearly empty.
- Have an account set up before you need it. An account is required for delivery.
- Make sure the fill point is easy to reach and clear of snow and vehicles.
Lambert Oil handles urgent and after-hours requests whenever we can, and a service charge applies. Scheduled deliveries are still the most reliable way to protect a critical site.
What to Have Ready When You Order
- Fuel type (dyed or clear diesel)
- Tank capacity and current level
- Site address and access instructions
- Estimated volume and your preferred delivery window
Generator Fuel Delivery in Toronto and the GTA
Lambert Oil has delivered fuel since 1952. We supply dyed and clear diesel for backup generators across Toronto and the GTA, and to more than 200 municipalities across Ontario. We set up scheduled deliveries for business customers, and most orders arrive within one business day, often within a few hours.
Learn more about our commercial and bulk fuel delivery, call 416-531-1158, or request a delivery.
