Don’t Forget the UPS! Why Electrical Contractors Should Include Backup Power in Projects

The power grid isn’t as reliable as it used to be. Extreme weather events such as the 2021 Texas deep freeze and a string of hurricanes and nor’easters along the eastern seaboard have caused major power outages, sometimes lasting multiple days. In California, utilities have to shut off power when winds could knock out transmission lines to avoid wildfires.

Adding to the challenge, the increasing share of electricity generated from intermittent sources such as solar and wind affects voltages and frequencies on the grid. This makes it harder to maintain a continuous flow of electricity.

A less reliable grid translates to more frequent blackouts, which is a real problem for businesses and residential communities. It’s hard to accomplish anything in the modern world without electricity. And now that more and more people are working from home, having backup power is especially critical.

Industries such as healthcare, specialty manufacturing, and IT infrastructure typically have backup power that allows them to operate for a period of time during an outage. It also allows for a graceful shutdown to help save data and protect equipment. However, most other industries need to catch up. As they do, they create new opportunities for electrical contractors to add revenue streams and add value to customers.