The Official Blog of ESL Power Systems, Inc.
A so-called polar vortex of freezing air plowed across the United States this past week, leading to hazardous conditions and record-low barometer readings. The severe blast of polar air initially affected the Midwest before scurrying over to the Eastern side of the country, closing schools, grounding flights, and forcing residents to shield exposed skin from practically instant frostbite; Even the electrical grid was not exempt from the effects of the frigid weather.
Emergency preparedness and recovery is a critical component to safeguarding our communities. As we grow ever more reliant on the utility grid, we are delivered with a stark reminder of how imperative it is to have access to fuel, cash, and food when severe weather knocks out our electrical power.
The Bad News: Outages are Expensive
There is often a large cost impact for businesses without backup power in the event of an extended utility power outage. One year ago Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on Northeast America. In addition to having no
To customers, distributors, and retailers, a certification mark means that they are purchasing a product that has been evaluated by an accredited independent organization. This third-party certification for electrical and power products means that a qualified independent testing laboratory has reviewed the manufacturing process of the particular product and has concluded that the final product complies with specific safety standards.
Hurricane Andrea has kicked off the 2013 Hurricane Season, and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration this year should be a doozie. With warmer than average temperatures, wind patterns routing our way from Africa, and no sign of El Niño showing up to reduce hurricane activity, it has been predicted that the Atlantic is likely to experience a greater number of storms and stronger hurricanes. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center anticipates 13-20 named storms and 3-6 hurricanes. This forecast is above the seasonal average.
One does not have to go back very far to discover the riveting devastation numerous natural disasters have left in their wake. From Katrina washing over the gulf coast to severe snow storms freezing power lines across the Midwest to the most recent visit from Sandy which left over 8 million people without power, the increasing severity and frequency of inclement weather is matched by our growing reliance on the power grid infrastructure.