It used to be that the greatest need for backup power in Colorado was during the winter months when losing power could be life-threatening. But as things change in the world of electric power, summer is becoming a time of increasing uncertainty across the electrical landscape.
Mother Nature Has New Co-Conspirators
Coloradans are no strangers to the whims of Mother Nature; she stirs up all kinds of summer trouble with lightning, floods, wildfires, high winds, and tornados. But she’s recruited some accomplices over the past few years.
Her principal allies are the power companies themselves. Several years ago, electric utilities across Colorado began reducing power during peak usage times (called “brown-outs”)—principally on hot days when air conditioner usage is at its peak—or cut it off entirely when fire danger is high, called Public Safety Power Shutoffs, or PSPSs. These planned outages came about after they got burned—literally—by the Marshall Fire of a few years ago and numerous other smaller conflagrations caused by downed power lines.
Another willing accomplice is the so-called Green Movement. Its noble goal is to reduce atmospheric pollution and whatever effect it may have on climate change, but it’s not without side effects on the electricity generating and delivery systems, broadly called “The Grid.”
With government-supported programs encouraging (or forcing) businesses and individuals to electrify their vehicles, offices, and homes, the demand for more electric power has skyrocketed, further stressing the grid.
Last, but not least, there is the high-tech industry. The explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is resulting in massive new computer installations to handle the data they require. If you thought bitcoin mining was an energy suck (it is), wait till you see how much it takes to run an AI center.
Is Help Coming?
Yes, but will it come soon enough? Billions of dollars are going into building up the grid, both in generating capacity and distribution systems, but that’s expensive and time consuming.
Environmentalists and governments are realizing that traditional “green” sources like solar and wind power aren’t enough and are easing restrictions on things like hydroelectric and nuclear generation. The progress is both innovative and encouraging, but meanwhile, as a home or business owner, you should look into personal preventive measures like preparing for both short-term and longer disruptions.
How Do You Prepare for Brownouts and Blackouts?
Brownouts can damage sensitive equipment like computers and TVs as well as heavy motors such as those in refrigerators and air conditioners. Reduced power can cause the big motors to overheat and power surges when full power is restored can fry delicate components.
Blackouts, especially long ones, come with additional, even more dangerous, risks to things like essential medical equipment and loss of food due to spoilage. For a detailed look at how to deal with outages, see this article on the Allstar Electrical Services website.
Stay Safe with Professional Help
Choosing the right backup system and using it safely requires a knowledge of electrical circuitry and codes. Don’t risk injury, shock, fire hazards, or expensive repairs by getting in over your head.
If you’re thinking about adding safe, reliable backup power or have any problems or concerns about your electrical service, the pros at Allstar Electrical Services are ready to help. We offer homeowners, builders, and businesses reliable, professional electrical work that is safe and up to code.
Call Allstar Electrical Services at 303.399.7420 or visit our website. We’ve served Colorado’s Front Range for over 20 years, are top-rated by the BBB and are an Angi’s® Home Advisor certified contractor.