We’ve all experienced it at least once. They can happen in any season, climate, or weather conditions. They can be accidental, planned, or unavoidable. They’re power outages, and while they’re usually only a temporary problem, for businesses they can cause a massive headache if owners and employees aren’t prepared for them. Despite the rarity of prolonged power outages, is investing in a backup generator a smart move for your business? Here are a few things worth considering.
Customers.
Regardless of the nature of your business, if your customers need to contact you (or vice versa) during an outage, having a backup generator to ensure communication through phone and email is vital.
Security.
Whether you’re in a big city or a small town, crime can happen anywhere…and prolonged power outages have been, in many cases, a prime time for things like looting. Having a backup generator ensures that things like security systems, automatic doors, and computers are able to still function even without a main source of electricity. This keeps your business, employees, customers, and product protected, no matter the situation outside. And even though most people have mobile phones these days, it’s always best to have a contingency plan. Generators help here too!
Loss of Income, Time, or Product.
Large storms or accidents can cause power outages that last several days. Often times, this can mean a massive loss of income. You could lose thousands of dollars for each day your business can’t function properly. Depending on the nature of your business, it could also mean lost time and production, which also results in lost income and can even result in lost customers.
Safety.
Along with the previous point on security, generators keep the lights on during a power outage, keeping your employees and customers safe from unseen tripping hazards. On top of that, a backup generator is often connected to your business’s power grid by a professional electrician, and are often fueled by propane or natural gas, making them a safer choice than a portable, gasoline-powered generator.
Everyday Operations.
If your business needs to maintain consistent operations (such as assembly, shipping, food service, or production) or systems (such as hospitals, food storage facilities, or climate-controlled areas), you probably shouldn’t even consider operating without a standby generator! Power is vital to the running of your business, and in the case of a medical facility, could quite literally be a matter of life or death.
Data and Information.
If you store important data on a hard drive, it is crucial to keep that information safe. Whether it be account information, financial information, confidential customer details, or other important information, lost data can be detrimental to a business and its clients. It’s best to protect yourself with a backup source of power.
If after reading these considerations, you feel that investing in a generator is the right move for your business, you may also be wondering what to do next. How do you choose the right generator?
One major thing to consider when choosing a standby generator for your business is to consider how much wattage you’ll need to cover in the event of an outage. Determine that wattage amount by looking at this guide. After determining every appliance or machine that your business needs, add up that wattage. This total is typically the wattage range you want you generator to be able to handle.
It’s also important to consider the cost for your business. A backup generator typically runs anywhere from $2,000 to $16,000, so it’s definitely an investment! But it can prove to be a massive help in times of trouble. Don’t shy away just because of the cost, especially if you live in an area at risk of flooding or large storms. Backup Generators can save businesses far more than they cost.