Your power is our priority
Have you run out of power capacity in your business?
As a busy business owner or manager, you understand the critical importance of having a reliable and scalable power supply to support your operations and fuel business growth.
When faced with new machinery installations or business expansion, increasing your power supply is a very common challenge. This guide aims to assist you in navigating the challenges that arise during the process, including cost considerations and time constraints.
At Solent Power we help people like you every week with advice and potential ideas and solutions to these types of problems.
By following the detailed step-by-step approach outlined below, you can successfully enhance your building or facility power supply to meet your growing energy demands effectively.
Before embarking on any power supply upgrade, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your energy requirements.
Start by evaluating the power demands of your machinery and equipment, considering both current and future needs. Assess your expansion plans and ensure that your proposed new power supply can accommodate the anticipated growth.
Additionally, analyse your electrical infrastructure to identify any bottlenecks or compliance issues. By taking these factors into account, you’ll make informed decisions and establish a solid foundation for your power supply upgrade project.
To meet your increased power demands, it’s important to explore various options that align with your goals and budget.
Improving your existing electrical systems, installing new transformers or switchgear, implementing smart grid technologies, or even considering alternative power sources are all potential solutions.
Additionally, one viable option for addressing temporary or permanent power capacity limitations is the use of diesel generators.
Diesel generators offer a reliable and flexible power source, allowing you to meet your immediate power needs while undergoing long-term upgrades.
Moreover, compared to current energy prices in the UK, diesel generators can significantly reduce running costs, often as low as 30p per kWh. This affordability, combined with their flexibility, makes diesel generators an attractive option for companies seeking additional power capacity.
Another massive benefit of using diesel generators is the speed and ease of procurement and installation compared with upgrading your mains power.
As a completely independent supplier with no obligations to any manufacturers, at Solent Power we can supply diesel generators from a range of quality brands, so it is highly likely that we can find something suitable for your needs…usually in a matter of days if a rapid turnaround is required.
We also arrange, delivery, installation and servicing so we can take care of everything and keep it simple and efficient for you.
When planning your power supply upgrade, it’s essential to consider the associated costs and timelines. While the specific expenses and project durations may vary depending on your unique circumstances, having a general understanding of the typical ranges can help you plan effectively.
Upgrading your power supply incurs direct costs such as equipment, labour, and materials, as well as indirect costs including potential downtime and associated operational impacts.
The direct costs of upgrading your power supply depend on factors such as the size and complexity of your facility, the required equipment, and any necessary electrical infrastructure upgrades.
The costs can vary significantly, ranging from a few thousand to several hundred thousand pounds. It’s advisable to obtain detailed quotes and consult with local experts to obtain accurate estimates tailored to your specific situation. It often takes months and sometimes years to have your mains supply upgraded.
Additionally, when considering the use of diesel generators, it’s important to assess the running costs. Diesel generators offer the advantage of lower running costs compared to prevailing energy prices in the UK.
With costs as low as 30p per kWh, diesel generators can yield substantial cost savings, especially for companies with high energy demands. These cost savings can make diesel generators a cost-effective solution, particularly for temporary power needs during upgrades or as a permanent power supply solution.
A crucial step in ensuring a successful power supply upgrade is conducting a comprehensive audit. Engaging professionals or consultants specialising in power supply assessments can provide invaluable insights and recommendations. These experts will evaluate your current power supply infrastructure, identify limitations, and propose suitable upgrades based on your specific needs.
During the power supply audit, the professionals will assess your electrical infrastructure, including transformers, switchgear, and distribution panels, to identify any capacity constraints or deficiencies.
They will analyse load profiles, evaluate voltage stability, and consider factors such as power quality and harmonic distortion. Additionally, they may assess the reliability of your power supply by examining backup systems, surge protection, and voltage regulation.
By conducting a comprehensive power supply audit, you gain a holistic understanding of your existing power infrastructure’s strengths and weaknesses. This audit will provide you with actionable insights to make informed decisions and prioritise enhancements that will have the most significant impact on your power supply’s reliability, scalability, and efficiency.
We can help with power audits and assessments if required. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your power needs and we will be happy to advise the best course of action.
An engineering firm we worked with chose to integrate diesel generators as a temporary power solution due to increasing energy costs. The company experienced minimal downtime and disruptions by utilising diesel generators, allowing them to continue operations seamlessly while enhancing their power supply.
The reduced running costs of diesel generators compared to prevailing energy prices in the UK provided significant cost savings of over £350,000 per year, enabling the company to allocate resources towards other critical areas of their business.
Effectively managing the transition and optimising your upgraded power supply requires meticulous planning, coordination, and ongoing maintenance. Develop a detailed project plan encompassing budgeting, timelines, and coordination with utility providers.
Regular communication with all stakeholders involved is vital to ensure a seamless integration of the upgraded power supply.
During the transition phase, it’s important to minimise disruptions to your operations. This can be achieved by coordinating with utility providers and scheduling any necessary power outages or downtime during periods of low demand.
Once the power supply upgrade is complete, ongoing optimisation and maintenance are essential to ensure its long-term reliability, energy efficiency, and adaptability to future needs.
This includes developing maintenance schedules, conducting routine inspections, and staying updated on emerging technologies that can further optimise your power supply. Regular monitoring of key performance indicators and power quality parameters will enable you to proactively address any issues and make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal power supply performance.
Congratulations! Armed with the knowledge and guidance provided in this guide, you are well-prepared to increase your power supply effectively.
By understanding the challenges, assessing your requirements, exploring suitable options including the use of diesel generators, considering costs and timelines and conducting a power audit, you can embark on your power supply upgrade with confidence.
Remember, every power supply upgrade project is unique, and it’s important to tailor your approach to suit your specific circumstances.
By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, and with the support of experienced professionals when needed, you can successfully increase your power supply, ensuring it meets your growing energy demands and contributes to the productivity and success of the business.
May your upgraded power supply pave the way for continued growth, operational efficiency, and a sustainable future!
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Solent Power Ltd (Company Number 12622565) is a company registered in England and Wales. Our registered office is located at Unit 7 Mayflower Close, Chandler’s Ford Industrial Estate, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 4AR. VAT No. 363504018
