Having a power outage at your business or plant is definitely a worrisome thought for any business owner, especially if that outage could last longer than a half hour. That is why many owners decide to invest in an industrial backup generator. However, many would argue that the low frequency of power outages does not warrant investing in an industrial backup generator. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of purchasing a backup generator for your business so that you can make an informed decision.
Pros
Unfortunately, it seems that natural disasters are occurring more frequently, and as we have witnessed, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and severe storms can cause catastrophic damage to property. Since these devastations cannot be controlled, many owners will invest in an industrial backup generator in case of unforeseen power outages due to catastrophic events.
Risk Management
• Power outages that lasts for an hour or more can be detrimental for a business, so being prepared with an industrial backup generator will give any business an advantage over competitors during times of power outages.
• There will be no complaints from customers and no loss of revenue if your company can continue production with the use of an industrial backup generator.
More Revenue
• Obviously, many companies will lose revenue during power outages because they will not be capable of producing for their customers.
• Your company will gain new customers because your company will be in production due to your preparation of having an industrial backup generator, which gives you a competitive advantage.
Cons
Since catastrophic events are not predetermined, some may never need to rely on an industrial backup generator to keep production going at their business. Also, some routine maintenance is involved with an industrial backup generator. Therefore, the cons will outweigh the pros in deciding whether to invest in an industrial backup generator.
Expensive
• Small businesses may not have the budget to purchase an industrial backup generator on the front end.
• Industrial backup generator’s price tags range from $17,000 to $27,000.
Fueling Is Pricey
• Although you will not need to fuel a generator all the time, when you do you will have to use an alternative power source.
• Three fueling options for industrial backup generators are diesel, natural gas, or liquid propane.
• Of the three options, natural gas is the better option because it is renewable and cheap; whereas, diesel is the most expensive and not always the best.