Power outages can strike anytime, disrupting operations and causing significant financial losses for businesses across various sectors. While many industries rely on backup power solutions, some unexpected sectors have found that diesel fuel generators and portable natural gas generators are essential for maintaining operations during electrical grid failures. These backup power systems are critical in ensuring business continuity, protecting sensitive equipment, and safeguarding profits in industries where consistent power supply is vital but often overlooked.
1. Ski Resorts
Ski resorts face unique challenges when it comes to power supply, especially during their peak operating season. Winter weather often causes power outages, making backup generators essential for these businesses. Some common causes of winter power outages include:
- Cold temperatures stressing power grid components;
- Ice and snow buildup on power lines and nearby trees;
- High winds during winter storms; and
- Animals seeking warmth in transformers.
For ski resorts, which operate primarily during fall and winter months, any power interruption can be detrimental to business. Backup generators, including both diesel fuel and portable natural gas options, are vital to power:
- Snow-making machines, extending the skiing season;
- Ski lifts, ensuring guest safety and satisfaction;
- Amenities such as lodges, hotels, and restaurants; and
- Heating systems to maintain guest comfort.
By investing in reliable backup power solutions, ski resorts can maintain operations during grid failures, potentially becoming local hotspots for those seeking warmth and services during widespread outages.
2. Space Observatories
Space observatories require backup power to keep their powerful equipment running. Without steady electricity, these facilities can’t operate their computers, lights, communication systems, and telescopes.
The European Southern Observatory in Chile uses 76% of its power just to run telescopes. This high-tech equipment needs:
- Telescope cooling equipment;
- Building temperature control; and
- Backup power systems.
Observatories can’t risk power failures because they must:
- Track asteroids for security agencies;
- Keep experiments running continuously;
- Let scientists view space remotely;
- Protect expensive equipment;
- Stay operational during bad weather; and
- Record rare space events that happen intermittently.
Most observatories sit in remote locations far from power lines. They use diesel generators because these work well in harsh weather and provide reliable power when needed.
3. Military Operations
The military sector is a significant consumer of energy, with the U.S. Department of Defense accounting for 77% of the federal government’s energy usage. Military operations, especially those in remote locations, require reliable power sources for various applications:
- Powering gear and equipment;
- Operating field hospitals;
- Maintaining lighting and security systems for camps; and
- Running IT equipment.
Field hospitals are particularly power-intensive, requiring energy for intense lighting, air quality control, and medical equipment such as X-ray and MRI machines. Portable generators are often preferred over permanent electrical wiring due to the temporary nature of these facilities.
Diesel fuel generators are popular in military applications for several reasons:
- Reliability in harsh conditions;
- Lower flammability compared to other fuel types;
- Compatibility with sensitive equipment;
- Mobility for changing field operations; and
- Fuel efficiency to reduce transportation risks and costs.
The military’s demanding requirements have led to the development of highly reliable, efficient, and portable generator models that are now available for civilian use.
4. Cannabis Farms
The cannabis industry has become a major user of backup power. Most commercial cannabis is grown indoors in controlled spaces instead of outside. These buildings need massive amounts of continuous power to maintain perfect growing conditions. Cannabis farms, like traditional and outdoor agriculture businesses, use both diesel and natural gas backup generators.
Grow rooms run high-powered lights and massive air control systems. In some facilities, one light fixture for four plants can use as much electricity as 29 refrigerators. A 5,000-square-foot facility needs an enormous amount of power.
Why cannabis farms need generators:
- Power use: Many facilities run generators to reduce grid power use or operate off-grid.
- Plant needs: Cannabis requires 18-24 hours of light per day. Power cuts cause early flowering or slow growth, reducing harvest size.
- Money loss: Every minute without power wastes resources and cuts into profits.
Cannabis farms use both diesel and natural gas generators. These keep lights and systems running during outages and help manage the high power demands.
5. Data Centers
Data centers are critical infrastructure for modern businesses. According to the Uptime Institute’s surveys, a single power outage costs data centers about $9,000 per minute, with some outages costing over $1 million in direct and indirect costs. About 60% of data centers experienced an outage in the past three years, decreasing from 69% in 2021 and 78% in 2020.
Power outages in data centers lead to:
- Lost or corrupted data and in-process information;
- System-wide service interruptions;
- Significant financial losses for businesses;
- Damage to expensive computer equipment; and
- Damaged business reputation and customer trust.
How data centers maintain reliable power:
- UPS systems for immediate backup power;
- Emergency generators with automatic transfer switches;
- Multiple power distribution units;
- Redundant power routing to critical systems; and
- Regular testing and maintenance.
Common causes of power failures:
- Natural disasters (storms, earthquakes);
- Power grid malfunctions;
- Human error during operations;
- Equipment failures; and
- System capacity issues.
Data centers rely on backup generators as their main defense against power loss. These systems activate automatically when utility power fails, protecting millions in equipment and maintaining essential services. For maximum reliability, centers use multiple backup systems to avoid single points of failure.
Turnkey Industries Delivers Reliable Backup Power Solutions
Backup generators are essential for maintaining operations across diverse industries. Turnkey Industries, a leader in pre-owned industrial generators, offers:
- A wide selection of brands, sizes, and capacities;
- Nationwide and international fulfillment;
- Thorough preparation for immediate use upon delivery;
- Expertise in diesel fuel and portable natural gas generators; and
- Commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Choosing Turnkey Industries means investing in operational continuity and peace of mind, regardless of your industry.
Ready to secure your power needs? Contact Turnkey Industries today at call 713-823-0890 or visit our website to explore our inventory and find the perfect backup power solution for your business.