Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce
The power industry outlook for 2018 has many signs of being a fast paced and challenging season for utilities, facility managers and consumers. From legislation requiring facilities to install equipment to another predicting an above-average hurricane forecast, the news is awash with all the signs that backup power generators will again be hard to come by in the months starting in June through December.
Four different hurricanes made U.S. landfall in 2017. The drain on local resources for rental generators and diesel fuel put many establishments on notice for poor planning and a lack of foresight on weather related grid failures.
If you need a few reminders to get a real backup power solution started today, take a look at these recent articles.
1. Mandated Backup Power
“Gov. Rick Scott signed legislation Monday requiring backup power sources in Florida nursing homes and assisted living facilities, months after the deaths of several residents from a sweltering nursing home that lost power in a hurricane.” Joe Reedy Daily Journal
2. Rolling Blackouts
“A 2013 report by the White House said weather-related blackouts cost the U.S. economy an annual average of $18 billion to $33 billion, when adjusted for inflation, from 2003 to 2012. They can also be deadly. The report said 50 deaths in the aftermath of Sandy were attributed to power outages.” Garance Burke AP News
3. Extreme Grid Demand
“Three utilities, Oncor, AEP Texas and Texas-New Mexico Power, serve a majority of the region around the Permian Basin that covers 24,000 square miles, with an average of just 16 people per square mile. By 2022, the power demand in the area is projected to climb to 1,000 megawatts, up from just 22 megawatts in 2010. (A megawatt can power about 200 homes on a hot Texas day.)” Ryan Maye Handy Houston Chronicle
4. Hurricane Prediction
“The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June through November. With the season less than two months away, Colorado State University issued its preliminary seasonal forecast on Thursday. Forecasters expect a slightly above-average season, with 14 named storms. Seven of those are expected to become hurricanes and three are expected to be major hurricanes.” Madeline Scheinost and Taylor Ward CNN
For more information about Global Power Supply’s turnkey power solutions and installation services contact us today at 1-800-706-0906.