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Importance of Emergency Power

June 13, 2016June 13, 2016Patrick Evans

Frequency of weather-related power outages across United States

The reliability of power over the past 15 years has been strained by increased demand by growing populations, aging infrastructure and more frequent occurrences of extreme weather. As seen in bar graph [a] on the right, the number of weather-related power outages has doubled every five years since 2000. Although the timing of when these outages happen fluctuates from day to day, season to season, and year to year, the data shows that weather-related power outages are steadily on the rise.

The estimated costs of weather-related power outages, by year, are provided in graph [b]. The variations in cost change considerably year to year. These cost estimates are dominated by the impact of large storms and the numerous costs associated with power outages. These costs include lost output and wages, spoiled inventory, inconvenience and the cost of restarting industrial operations. Although weather is a major factor in the cost of power, the costs associated with power outages are influenced by the amount of time that the power is out as well. The pie chart [c] shows the average length of reported power outages in the digital economy, continuous process manufacturing and fabrication/essential services sectors of the economy. Regardless of what industry your business is in, the longer the power is out the more money you are losing.

As the climate changes and infrastructure ages, the economic and social impacts of power outages may be unavoidable. However, the effects can be mitigated by being diligent and taking appropriate steps to minimize operational downtime. ESL’s emergency power connection equipment is very cost-effective, especially when compared to the cost of being without power for extended periods of time. In addition, our emergency power products provide users with safe and simple operation so that grid-tied facilities can quickly connect to portable power when it matters most.

For more information on how ESL can help you be prepared for the next major power outage, contact us.

Sources:
1-Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters
2-Power Outages On The Rise Across The U.S.
3-Economic Benefits of Increasing Electric Grid Resilience to Weather Related Outages
4-The Cost of Power Disturbances to Industrial & Digital Economy Companies

2016 Hurricane Season Forecast

May 25, 2016Erika Thorson

The 2016 Atlantic hurricane season forecast released from Colorado State University in April calls for the number of named storms and hurricanes to be near historical averages. A total of 12 named storms, five hurricanes and two major hurricanes are expected this season. These numbers do not include Hurricane Alex, a rare occurrence that hit the Azores in mid-January. The official hurricane season spans from June through November. However, as illustrated by Hurricane Alex, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year.

“the number of storms and when they strike doesn’t particularly matter. Because it only takes one.”

Most forecasting groups have called for this season to be an above average season, due to a combination of factors including a transition to La Niña and warmer than normal sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico. But as pointed out by Eric Fisher,Chief Meteorologist at CBS Boston, whether the forecast is in line with the average or above it “the number of storms and when they strike doesn’t particularly matter. Because it only takes one.”

Take Hurricane Isaac for example in 2012. Isaac was a deadly and destructive tropical cyclone that came ashore in the state of Louisiana during August 2012. The ninth named storm and fourth hurricane of the annual hurricane season caused $2.39 billion USD in damage and led to 41 fatalities (breakingnews.com).

It’s never too late to make sure that you’re prepared for an emergency or loss of power. As a business owner, planning for an emergency power situation requires choosing a standby power solution. While some solutions can be quite costly, ESL’s pre-wired UL 1008 emergency quick connect equipment is very cost-effective. In addition, it provides users with a safe and simple operation to connect portable power in minutes minimizing the interruption of business operation and associated costs.

We can’t stop hurricanes, but we can mitigate risk, both to our lives and our property, by being proactive. Plan ahead. The first step is to evaluate what type of transfer switch is most suitable for your application. Be prepared. Learn more about manual transfer switches and emergency power preparedness statistics. Then contact ESL for a quote.

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month

August 28, 2015August 28, 2015Lesleyanne Daniels

All throughout the month of September the Federal Emergency Management Agency is promoting National Preparedness Month in an effort to help mitigate the impact of potential disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is asking all of us to take action immediately by making a plan for your business, your community, your family, and for your pets. FEMA and other government agencies have a number of resources available to us, including helpful materials on their website, to help you plan how to effectively communicate and stay safe during disasters.

Depending on what region of the country you live in, disaster preparedness needs can vary from one area to the next. For example, some areas are more prone to flooding than they are to earthquakes, so it is important to be knowledgeable about the potential disasters that may affect where you live. Tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and other disasters are often unpredictable. No matter where you live, there are a few steps that should be taken to help you and be prepared for emergency situations.

ESL Featured in Business Energy Magazine

July 31, 2015June 16, 2020Erika Thorson

ESL Business Energy Switchgear Article — ESL was featured in a recent edition of Business Energy Magazine

ESL was recently featured in Business Energy Magazine. “Switchgear: Matters of Safety and Space” addressed the various concerns of businesses as they work to ensure that their electrical equipment is as safe as possible.

The article highlighted some of the benefits of using ESL’s TripleSwitch as an emergency backup power solution. Many times, during emergencies, a qualified electrician will not be available, as they struggle to meet the increased need that inevitably follows a crisis. “In place of using lug nuts to pinch raw wire endings, ESL provides cam-style connectors that resemble microphone cords. This lets workers pop connections in and out without cranking lug nuts or fraying wire ends,” which means that anyone can safely operate the unit.

ESL Featured in Water Efficiency Magazine: Keeping the Pumps Going When the Lights Go Out

June 25, 2015June 25, 2015Lesleyanne Daniels

Water Efficiency Magazine ESL Power Systems, Inc. — ESL’s emergency backup power solutions were featured in this month’s issue of Water Efficiency Magazine.

When emergencies or natural disasters occur, preparation can really pay off. Ensuring that water utilities remain operational is a big concern for cities and utility companies. Recently, ESL Power Systems, Inc. was featured in an article written by William Atkinson of Water Efficiency Magazine, focusing on “Keeping the Pumps Running When the Lights Go Out.” There are several strategies to consider to ensure that water utilities will continue to function should your geographic area suffer from power failure. In addition to using efficient pumps, conducting energy audits and proper maintenance, you must also arrange for backup power sources.