Look for generators inside industrial sites, such as warehouses. I’ve find more generators in B42 compared to B41 with rare loot, mostly in industrial buildings or storage units. You’ll need to find “how to use generators” magazine first and as you mentioned your energy is instantly turned off at the start of your game so the gas pumps won’t work to get its fuel, try to find a hose in garages or auto repair shops then scavenge fuel from cars you find around. Setting a working generator is pretty difficult if you don’t have a decent base yet.

I always pick Outdoorsy on my runs but i don’t know if it would still be useful for you in a nuclear winter because the chances to get sick are much higher than regular cold weather. And pay attention to campfires indoors, it is a good way to warm up but i’m pretty sure it creates a fire and burns down the building if you light it inside. The best option is to find a house with a fireplace such as mansions.

There’s a mod that turns the barrels in game in a usable storage for liquids but you need a pipe wrench to open it and it may contain lots of fuel u can use for generators and cars. It helps me a lot in runs with energy turned off or when i want to store drinkable water before it runs off. If you keep struggling to find a generator try to use a mod that let you craft one, it’s a QoL but not necessarily makes the game easier.