Turn on the news these days, and chances are, you’ll hear a story about a weather disaster occurring somewhere in our country. Power outages are no longer a rare inconvenience, and businesses across Massachusetts are increasingly aware of the challenges that these power disruptions can cause. Whether it’s a family-owned diner serving up a classic New England breakfast or a tech startup at a local business park, the livelihood of these businesses depends on seamless energy flow, reliable refrigeration, and uninterrupted customer service. For these commercial properties, losing power during a nor-easter or a summer thunderstorm means lost revenue, safety concerns, and potential damage to the company’s reputation.
Initially, a generator may seem like an optional investment, but the reality is that it’s one of the most important investments a business can make. This article will examine the increasing weather threats facing businesses, the consequences associated with operating without a generator, and the measures companies can take to safeguard their operations and bottom line in the future. First, let’s examine the rise of extreme weather and power disruptions in Massachusetts.
The Rising Tide of Unreliability
In recent years, the United States has experienced an increase in extreme weather events, characterized by a rise in frequency and intensity. For commercial properties, this has meant that once-rare power disruptions are now turning into routine challenges. And here in Massachusetts, the story of power loss hits close to home. New England sees some of the longest average durations of power loss, mainly due to storms damaging overhead power lines. Downpours are becoming more intense, and winter storms are intensifying and becoming more frequent. These events have nearly tripled since 2020 and are no longer distant headlines; they’re road closures on the I-495 and flooded basements in Worcester County. In Northborough, outages often spike during:
- Winter: Winter snowstorms can bring down power lines due to the combination of heavy snow, ice, and wind.
- Spring and Summer: Frequent storms during these seasons are often accompanied by strong winds, which bring down power lines.
- Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: Occasionally, a hurricane or tropical storm moves up the coast, affecting power grids.
In 2020, the average power customer in Massachusetts experienced an average of four hours without power that year. In recent years, we have seen storms that have caused thousands of people in Northborough and across Central Massachusetts to experience multi-day power outages, shuttering the doors of local retailers and restaurants alike. And with projections from the state warning of even more frequent coastal and inland storms through 2050, businesses are at an increased risk of unexpected power loss. These disruptions are only increasing. As grid strain grows from aging infrastructure and rising demand, combined with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the question isn’t if the next blackout will occur, but when. And without a generator, the real cost starts to add up. Let’s take a look.
The Consequences of Not Having a Generator
So what really happens to a commercial property when the power goes out? For commercial properties in Northborough, the effects of an unexpected outage can quickly escalate into financial ruin, legal headaches, and even safety crises. Here’s a closer look at some of the most significant dangers:
- Financial Losses: A single hour without power can cost retailers thousands in lost revenue. For the food industry, where refrigeration is non-negotiable, a 24-hour outage can result in spoiled food and similar financial losses. If you multiply lost sales and lost inventory by a multi-day blackout, the costs can be devastating.
- Downed Operations: Offices, restaurants, warehouses, data centers, and manufacturing facilities alike come to a screeching halt without electricity. No electricity means no lights, no HVAC, no electronics, no nothing. The December 2023 nor’easter, which dumped snow and downed trees in Massachusetts, left local restaurants and offices closed for days, incurring tens of thousands of dollars in recovery costs.
- Equipment Damage or Loss: Sensitive electronics, such as computers, servers, and other critical machinery, may be damaged by sudden power loss and power surges that occur during rapid restoration. Damaged equipment means repair or replacement costs, in addition to lost productivity and revenue.
- Data Loss: Without a generator, servers, computers, and other critical systems abruptly shut down, leading to significant data loss. Having a generator provides businesses with immediate backup power, bridging the gap between power loss and restoration. Without the safety net of a generator, companies not only face data loss but also extended downtime, delayed projects, and potentially a loss in client trust or a breach in regulatory compliance.
- Employee and Customer Safety: Without a backup generator, when the power goes out, so do the lights, elevators, and security systems. Placing employees and customers at risk violates regulatory standards and exposes the company to potential lawsuits.
- Fines for Non-Compliance: Some businesses, such as healthcare offices and assisted living facilities, are required to maintain power for medical devices. A lapse in power can cost these businesses up to $50,000 in fines (per violation) and damage their reputation in the community.
- Long-Term Damage to Reputation: Customers are a business’s most significant marketing asset. Customers remember unreliability and are more likely to share their negative experiences than their positive ones. In our tight-knit community, word spreads quickly, whether through online reviews or Chamber of Commerce chats. Having a commercial generator installation helps maintain your company’s reputation.
These consequences are not hypothetical; they are the stark reality for businesses relying on the power grid. And the price of being unprepared? For many commercial properties, the losses of not having power far outweigh the initial cost of a generator. Now, you may be asking yourself, “How do I prepare my business for the future?”
Preparing Your Business for the Future
Having a commercial generator installation in Northborough goes beyond protecting against current disruptions. Having a generator means securing your business from unpredictable weather and power grid problems in the future. As power outages become more frequent in Massachusetts and across the country, having a generator means:
- Your employees and customers can stay safe.
- Your business can maintain its productivity.
- Your customers will continue to rely on your services.
- Your finances stay protected from unexpected losses, legal trouble, or fines.
If your commercial property doesn’t yet have a plan for backup power, now is the time to research your options and safeguard your company from future interruptions. Commercial generators come in a variety of types and sizes, and a professional electrical contractor can review your needs and recommend and install the right system for you.
Power for Your Business’s Future
In a time where power outages are no longer a rare occurrence but a common threat in Northborough and across Massachusetts, the cost of being unprepared is too great to ignore. From financial devastation to the risks of data loss, safety hazards, and damaged reputations, lacking a commercial generator can turn a temporary blackout into long-term problems. Don’t be caught in the dark. Partner with a Northborough electrical contractor today to assess your needs and install a reliable generator, ensuring your operations stay running, your customers remain loyal, and your business’s future is secure.