Read Part 1 here.

In the first part to this series, we laid out how extreme weather has caused increasing havoc on the nation’s power grid, which has cemented the needs for utility companies to have reliable backup or standby power sources. One option that is growing in its adoption are temporary power solutions that provide robust services and benefits to the most vulnerable. These mobile power solutions and their evolving pivotal role in the utility sector are mitigating the risks imposed by extreme weather. Below, we present the goals you should look for in choosing the right partner as well as some examples where utilities met these challenges head on.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROVIDER 

As mentioned earlier, not everyone provides the right temporary power solution. A qualified partner must possess in-depth knowledge of utility operations, understand specific power requirements, and provide a proven track record of delivering reliable and efficient solutions. The right provider will bring expertise in generator deployment, maintenance, fuel management, and emissions control to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. 

Our company, Distributed Power Solutions (DPS), provides turnkey engineered power generation rental solutions that utilize natural gas as its primary fuel source. DPS provides reciprocating engine generators, gas turbine generators, and electrical distribution equipment to support the utility industry. 

With the highest power efficiency available, DPS saves customers money on the fuel required to power operations. This helps reduce operations costs, so companies drive higher power outputs with less fuel. In addition, to be fuel-efficient, the startup process is fast and easy. DPS offers rapid equipment deployment, the balance of the plant, including transformers and transfer switches (when necessary), and can assist with engineering, operation, and maintenance. If customers have access to a fuel supply, DPS can set up the basic equipment and be operational immediately. 

Our gas turbines are well equipped with the latest dry low emission (DLE) combustion system technology, which helps reduce the number of harmful pollutants released into the air during the combustion process. It allows your project to achieve lower emissions without reducing the combustion temperature. As a result, it performs a cleaner and more environmentally friendly operation when compared to traditional generators. 

Not every energy partner is the same. It’s critical to consider the following when choosing the right power solutions partner: 

  • Fleet size 
  • Equipment (turbine or reciprocating engine) 
  • Technical expertise 
  • Mobilization speed 
  • Equipment availability 
  • Higher fuel efficiency 

Look for a reputable power solutions company that is knowledgeable about the industry and has the speed and range of equipment readily available to customers. Those with the right experience and technical experience will get operations up and running quickly while ensuring reliability, availability, and lower production costs. In addition, around-the-clock support is critical so that there is no downtime. 

CASE STUDY: EMERGENCY POWER IN ONE WEEK 

The benefits of an experienced local power solutions provider were powerfully demonstrated when DPS responded in the wake of Hurricane Laura. When the natural disaster cut off power to half a million customers on the Gulf Coast, the entire electrical grid became unstable, and a backup power source became necessary while technicians worked on repairing the storm damage. The region’s primary utility provider announced that it was the most challenging restoration they faced, and it would likely take weeks to restore power. 

The next day, construction services and electrical engineering company Saber Power met with DPS to find a temporary power solution for one of their key customers, Energy Transfer. The organization needed 40MW to power their facility, but their utility provider could only temporarily allocate 8MW. 

With only twenty-four-hour’s notice, DPS immediately got to work. With its strong history as a first responder, the company was experienced in providing support in stressful situations. It ensured that the equipment was serviced and ready and even made the financial decision to secure trucks to ensure they could service at a moment’s notice.  

As soon as Energy Transfer greenlighted the plans, DPS was ready to head towards them within an hour’s notice. Within twenty-four hours, more than thirty trucks were at the site and prepared to work. Working alongside Energy Transfer and Saber, DPS worked diligently to set up cables, trays, piping, and electrical interconnections. Because of their experience and preparation, the extensive team met each unforeseen challenge to finish the job as quickly as possible. DPS completed the job within six days of getting the green light. 

As a power solutions provider, DPS has a long history of helping companies in dire situations. The team knows how to rise to the occasion and provide critical power during natural disasters and has the experience to guide companies in making plans. 

REMAINING CONNECTED DURING PEAK SEASONS 

The reliability of power supply is critical, especially during severe weather events and periods of peak season demand. A stable power supply is essential not only for residential comfort but maintaining vital services, such as healthcare, emergency response, and industrial operations. However, utility companies face a range of challenges in meeting these demands. 

Partnering with a temporary power solutions provider like DPS can be a strategic move. DPS and similar experienced companies offer scalable and flexible solutions for managing power during peak periods and emergencies. They provide the additional capacity utility companies need to cope with increased demand. These partnerships contribute to grid stability by providing reliable, on-demand power and filling the gap while utilities recover from severe weather events. 

Planning and preparedness are crucial to ensuring a reliable power supply during severe weather and peak demand periods. Utility companies should assess their capacity and vulnerabilities, consider strategic partnerships with power rental solutions providers, and invest in infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy integration. By working with regulators, technology providers, and customers, they can develop innovative and sustainable solutions. As we move towards a future likely to bring more extreme weather and higher power demands, these proactive steps will be more critical than ever.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Distributed Power Solutions (DPS) provides power generation rental solutions to meet the growing global demand for energy related products and services. DPS’s turnkey rental solutions ensure you are prepared for your planned or emergency utility needs, 24/7/365. DPS is dedicated to the power generation business and has one of the largest equipment rental fleets of turbine and reciprocating engine generators available to meet demand. Our unmatched product support services include design, engineering, installation, and operation to help solve utility needs. DPS brings the expertise and focus of a specialty rental business to our customers to solve their temporary power generation needs. For more information, visit www.dpsenergy.com.

MODERN PUMPING TODAY, November 2023
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