How to Protect Your Business From Summer Power Outages
Businesses, especially in areas like the Pacific Northwest, must prepare for the risks that summer weather poses to the power grid. Heatwaves, wildfires, and severe storms can all cause summer power outages, which can majorly disrupt business operations. But how can you protect your business from power outages caused by extreme heat and other weather issues?
Learn how to safeguard your operations by exploring different backup power systems and the best ways to stay prepared for the season ahead. Keep your business running smoothly, no matter what the weather brings.
The Impact of Summer Power Outages on Businesses 
Summer power outages can disrupt more than just your day—they can bring your business to a halt. Whether you’re running a call center, retail shop, or manufacturing plant, a sudden loss of power means a loss of productivity. Without electricity, even the smallest operation can come to a standstill.
Equipment can also be affected during a summer power outage, posing risks to sensitive data. Data can be corrupted or lost when computers, servers, and other equipment shut down improperly during an outage. Without backup solutions and surge protection, businesses can suffer critical data loss, which can cause financial setbacks and even compliance issues.
When a power outage forces your business to close, customers may find themselves unable to reach you, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction. Customers expect businesses to keep running smoothly, even during disruptions. Installing a backup power system ensures you can stay operational, maintain customer trust, and keep your business running without missing a beat.
The Importance of a Reliable Backup Power System
A reliable backup power system is key to ensuring business continuity.
Benefits include:
- Minimized downtime: Keeps your business running smoothly during power outages.
- Protected revenue: Safeguards your business from revenue loss due to unexpected shutdowns.
- Maintained customer trust: Reinforces consumer confidence by ensuring business continuity during outages.
- Data security: Ensures proper shutdown and backup protocols to protect sensitive information from corruption or loss.
- Compliance assurance: Helps meet regulatory requirements for data protection.
- Competitive advantage: Gives you an edge over competitors often affected by summer power outages.
Types of Backup Power Solutions for Commercial Properties
There are many backup power options on the market for businesses to choose from, including generators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and solar power with storage capabilities. An electrical contractor will help you determine the best option for your business, but here’s a brief overview of each type.
Generators
Generators are a standard backup power solution that provides electricity to a building by converting fuel, such as diesel or propane, into electrical energy. They come in both portable and standby (permanent) models. Standby models are permanently installed and automatically activate upon an outage.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) provide immediate, short-term power during a power outage. However, this power typically lasts only long enough to complete safe equipment shutdowns or bridge the gap before a generator starts. UPS systems protect sensitive electronics such as computers, servers, and point-of-sale (POS) systems.
Solar Power with Storage Capabilities
Solar power systems with battery storage can also be reliable backup power systems. During a power outage, stored solar energy can be used instead of the power grid or fossil fuels to keep operations running smoothly.
Connect With a Local Commercial Electrical Contractor Today
Electrical professionals are essential in choosing, installing, and maintaining a backup power system for your business. Electrical contractors understand your business’s needs and can help you decide which backup power supply is most suitable. They will also competently install the chosen backup power system and provide guidance on how to operate it. Always work with an electrical contractor to perform regular maintenance and ensure your backup power system remains operational.
Looking for skilled local electrical contractors to help with your business’s electrical needs? Connect with Powering Pacific Northwest (PPNW). Our fully licensed and bonded professionals are ready to support your business needs.
Find a contractor today.