Summer is right around the corner, and power outages due to extreme weather are a real possibility for many parts of the country. The recently published NOAA Atlantic hurricane season forecast predicts anywhere from 12 to 17 named storms this year. Of those storms, NOAA says 5 to 9 of them could become hurricanes, and 1 to 4 of those could become major hurricanes. But it’s not only hurricanes that cause summertime power outages.
Every year, severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and wildfires have the potential to cause widespread and extended power outages. For businesses that rely on power continuity to maintain operations, right now is the time to plan for a backup power solution. As we have seen in years past, by the time a hurricane or major storm is on the radar, backup generator inventories have been depleted, leaving many businesses in the dark.
If your business depends on consistent, reliable power during these types of events, here are five important tips to consider when looking for an emergency standby power system:
1. Start your Project Today
Due to the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, there can often be little to no warning that your facility will be without power for an extended period of time. Allowing for proper planning and timing to get a backup power system in place is essential for any business, and something we highly recommend.
When major storm events are already on the radar, it’s typically too late to start looking for backup power equipment. Roads can be damaged or un-passable, making it impossible to get equipment to your location, and rental supply is usually unavailable by the time a storm hits. Additionally, during natural disasters any commercially available power equipment can be commandeered by the government, further reducing available supply. For these reasons, we recommend planning in advance for a permanent emergency backup power solution.
2. New, Used, Surplus and Trade-In Options
Know your budget options and how to use them to your advantage. Understanding the costs associated with renting or purchasing a generator should be one of the first decisions in any backup power conversation. Sometimes it’s better to rent equipment, which can be expensed as an operating cost (OPEX), while other times there may be room in the budget for capital expenses (CAPEX), and it may make more sense to purchase a generator outright.
3. Buy Engineering Design Time for your Power System
Before purchasing a backup power system, it is crucial to make sure that it has been properly sized and configured to handle your facility’s electrical load. There are modern microgrid and hybrid generator solutions that combine both a generator and a battery system, as well as sophisticated software programs that work to optimize running conditions and combat common sizing issues, but proper sizing should be calculated even when using new technologically advanced systems.
Correct sizing is usually determined by the total amps and voltage of the electrical loads but can also vary based on the type of equipment or type of electrical motors being powered. Whether it is a temporary rental or a permanent installation, it is important to consult with a qualified electrical engineer to ensure that your back up power system is correctly sized.
4. On-Site Project Management and Support
Emissions and sound requirements can vary greatly from one location to another, and your facility’s physical location is an important consideration. In order to get a backup power system properly permitted and installed, local and state regulations need to be checked and the generator needs to be configured to meet local ordinances.
Additionally, businesses should consider the specific location at the business where the generator will be installed. It is important to allow for the proper space to accommodate connections, access, and sound attenuation. The distance from the building where the generator is installed can also greatly affect installation costs and should be minimized where possible.
5. Choose a Proven Leader in Reliable Power
Perhaps the most important thing to consider ahead of this coming hurricane season is your choice of a power solutions provider. Choose a company that can work with you on your budget requirements and provide a comprehensive reliable backup power solution. Your power solutions provider should guide you through the process and explain your options from start to finish, building understanding, trust, and ultimately, a reliable backup power solution that is always there when you need it.
At Global Power Supply, we’re experts at helping businesses find their best possible backup power solutions. Since 2004, we have helped our customers maintain power continuity through countless natural disasters, hurricane seasons and countless other power outages. From data centers, to agriculture, and just about every other industry, we have a solution for you. We specialize in high-quality used, surplus, as well as new power equipment to meet the needs of any business. Additionally, we offer a full turnkey service option, in which we take care of all aspects of the project from design, permits, installation, startup and ongoing maintenance.
Please contact our experienced sales team with any questions, quote requests, or expert advice you may need.