Emergency power supply system (EPSS) rentals are useful in 3 scenarios: any time industrial electricity is inaccessible, when commercial electricity is hard to supply by regular means, and whenever a facility’s emergency generator (a.k.a. genset) is offline for maintenance, repair, retrofitting, or replacement. In these instances, businesses and organizations turn to emergency power supply services which provide EPSS rentals. Yet before they sign an agreement, they should evaluate the price of the rental, what type of unit they need, whether support equipment is needed, and whether renting a generator is actually necessary. Below, we look at the important points of each consideration.

How much should a rental generator cost?

The generator rental cost depends on several factors, such as: the kind of fuel a genset uses, whether the buyer transports it or has it delivered, the length of the contract, the unit’s voltage capacity, along with any special features. A great way to economize on renting a genset would be to rent one that uses natural gas, or even a natural gas and diesel mixture, rather than pure diesel. Another way to spend less is transporting the unit rather than having it delivered. Still another strategy for saving is simply by pursuing a lease agreement rather than a rental contract if the machine is needed long-term.

Which kind of unit is needed?

The sort of EPSS an organization needs first is dependent upon its voltage requirements. For instance, there’s significant differences between the voltage demands of a hospital verses the voltage needs of a small concert held in a sylvan setting. In the first case, renting an undersized system could result in serious financial setbacks, and even loss of life. With the second case, renting an EPSS that offers too much capacity is just a waste of money. Before a rental contract is signed, it’s wise to talk to an urgent situation power service about which rentals would best meet the needs of a specific project, facility, event, etc.

Is additional EPSS equipment necessary?

Sometimes, just a generator is required to supply power. But in others, additional EPSS equipment for example power distribution units (PDUs) and connector cables are required too. In such instances, prospective renters should carefully strategize for their total power needs, including equipment rentals to aid generator function. Ultimately, this may mean picking a company that offers further power support equipment over one that doesn’t. Most of the time, businesses who offer generator rental also rent equipment that will carry a generator’s power to the intended destination.

Is a rental truly necessary?

Whether a facility needs an EPSS while its own system is offline as a result of switch gear maintenance, engine maintenance, retrofitting, etc. is dependent upon the nature of the company's services. Whereas some facilities can’t be without power for only a couple of minutes, others possibly can. For those that can, not having an operating EPSS for a short period of time would eliminate the expense of renting a genset. However in instances when being without emergency power could be dangerous for business or human safety, rentals will always be the best choice.