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In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, businesses rely heavily on a consistent and reliable power supply. An unexpected power outage can cause major disruptions, resulting in financial losses, decreased productivity, and damage to a company’s hard-earned reputation. This is where backup generators come into play. They act as a safety net, ensuring that your business operations can continue smoothly—even when the electricity is cut off.
Let’s explore the importance of backup generators and how to choose the right one for your business—so you don’t need to stress about what to do when the power goes out!
Power outages can have severe financial implications for businesses, both directly and indirectly. Direct costs include immediate losses like those associated with:
For example, a retail store with no power cannot process transactions, leading to direct revenue loss. Similarly, a manufacturing plant might have to discard raw materials or unfinished products due to an interruption in the production line.
Indirect costs, while not immediately clear, can be just as detrimental. These include things like:
And importantly, the loss of customer trust and reputational damage can have a long-lasting negative impact on a business.
According to a report by power management company Eaton, power outages cost the Australian economy billions of dollars each year. Further, they are among the leading causes of business continuity insurance losses, with the average large business property claim at an enormous $2.4 million. Electric blackouts are ranked among the top 10 causes of such losses.
Industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing are particularly vulnerable – with healthcare facilities risking patient safety and financial institutions facing potential data loss and security breaches.
Backup generators provide a reliable solution to ensure business continuity during power outages. By automatically kicking in when the main power supply fails, these generators minimise downtime and allow businesses to maintain critical operations.
The operational benefits of having a backup generator are numerous. For businesses that rely on data, such as IT firms and financial institutions, backup generators prevent data loss and protect against potential breaches. Retailers and hospitality businesses can continue serving customers without interruption, preserving their revenue streams and customer satisfaction. Manufacturers can avoid production halts, preventing waste and ensuring timely order fulfilment.
Consider the case of the Cairns Aquarium, which houses a 400kW generator capable of operating the Aquarium in the event of power failure. This proved a successful strategy during December 2023’s Cyclone Jasper when the generator kicked in without interruption—ensuring animal safety, no data or communication loss, and allowing for business as usual. They didn’t lose a single day of trade, while many businesses around it had no power for days, or even weeks.
Also consider the South Australian government’s acquisition of emergency diesel generators in response to the record heat waves of summer 2017 that saw 90,000 households out of power for 45 minutes. The generators successfully prevented blackouts the first time they were used during an extreme heatwave in SA and VIC in January 2019—and continue to be available for times of potential emergency.
Choosing the right backup generator for your business involves considering several key features. The first and foremost is capacity. It’s crucial to select a high quality generator that can handle the power load of your essential equipment and operations. Assess your power needs by identifying critical systems and calculating their combined power requirements.
Fuel type is another important factor. Backup generators typically run on diesel, natural gas, or propane. Each fuel type has its advantages and disadvantages. Diesel generators are known for their durability and efficiency, while natural gas generators are environmentally friendly and have a continuous fuel supply. Propane generators offer a longer shelf life for the fuel but may require more frequent refuelling.
Automatic transfer switches (ATS) are essential for seamless operation. An ATS detects a power outage and automatically switches the power source to the generator, ensuring there is no interruption in your operations. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses that can’t afford even a momentary power loss—such as hospitals and data centres.
When selecting a backup generator, consider the size and specific needs of your business. Small businesses may require a portable generator that can power essential equipment, while larger enterprises might need a standby generator with a higher capacity and more sophisticated features.
No need to wonder ‘why is the electricity out?’ At Lakewood Electrical Services, we understand the importance of maintaining uninterrupted power for your business. Our team of experts can manage the installation and maintenance of high-quality backup generators. We offer a range of generators to suit businesses of all sizes and industries, ensuring you have the right power solution to keep your operations running smoothly. Plus, we offer a 24/7 emergency service to provide a swift solution to your electrical emergency—no matter the time of night or day!
Don’t sit around worrying about how to get your electric back on. Give us a call today and let’s discuss how we can safeguard your business against unexpected power outages.
Electricity is arguably the most valuable resource we have in our mode
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