I was also wondering what you but in them for them to work (gas, electricity etc.)
You can get generators that are powered by gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or LP gas engines.
Well just like electricity entering your house from the power company, the power from The power from your gas generator is the same thing. How much you run the generator is the same as running your light Or treadmill. However since power from the company is more steady and subsides, it's cheaper to be on the grid than to generate your own electricity especially with today's high gas prices.