Whether you already have one or are contemplating acquiring one, having a Standby Power Generator is not a ‘set it and forget it’ responsibility.
As a Business Continuity professional you should not rely on that generator to mitigate electrical disruption risks unless you ask – and get satisfactory answers to – four questions about the most important aspects of owning and using a backup generator:
1) What is its service record? Like most things, generator technology continues to improve. Every generator set – whether new or old – should be serviced by a qualified maintenance company (hopefully one certified by the generator’s manufacturer). Regular inspection and maintenance will assure the equipment is able to function properly when needed.
2) What is its test record? Most generator manufacturers suggest monthly (or at least quarterly) testing of their equipment. Make sure the manufacturer’s recommendations are being followed. Failure to run the generator as recommended may result in operational issues and early mechanical breakdowns that will be costly – and potentially devastating if the generator fails during a power outage. And don’t forget to inquire how often the transfer switch (the mechanism that switches the power feed from the utility source to the generator) has been tested. The generator is useless if it can’t transfer power to your building.
3) What is the fuel source Business Continuity Plan? Commercial standby generators are (at least in North America) of two fuel types: natural gas or diesel (gasoline fueled generators are usually restricted to limited home use). Natural gas pipelines can be disrupted. Diesel fuel supplies can be disrupted (by impassable roads, for example) or diverted (by government emergency declaration). Make certain your fuel supply has a backup plan. (Note: there are also bi-fuel generators which can operate on either gas or diesel; a built-in backup plan!)
4) To what does it supply power? Does the generator supply power to the entire building? To only the data center? Or to specific floors, quadrants, rooms, desks or outlets? Make sure you know where power will be available when the generator lights up – so you can build those locations into Business Continuity Plans.
A standby generator can be a highly valuable tool for risk mitigation. Acquiring one can be a long and costly process. But having one is an asset – once you are assured it is properly maintained and tested. Leveraging it capabilities to provide backup power effectively can add greatly to your organization’s Business Continuity strategy. Just don’t forget to ask those questions.
