With Storm Agnes set to cause havoc across the country this Wednesday, the Met office has issued an official warning for severe weather. We saw heave rain last week with more unpredictable weather expected to set in the colder months.
Essentially storm Agnes will impact on most of the country – with the exception of the South East – with strong winds (gusting between 45-75 mph) from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday.
For those of you ‘out on the road’ tomorrow and Thursday please take extra care:
- Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen, therefore be prepared to slow down, and give your wipers a chance to clear your windscreen.
- Roads will be more slippery than usual – especially at this time of year with falling leaves. Therefore, be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching potential hazards, with the result that you can brake safely.
- Wherever possible, try to stay on main roads – where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches, debris and potential flooding.
- Always use dipped headlights in bad weather and were visibility can be seriously reduced
- Gusting wind can unsettle vehicles – be prepared for any unexpected ‘side winds’ when overtaking high sided vehicles.
- Keep your eyes on the road – as spray from passing vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility.
As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, the demand for electricity increases. This can put a strain on the national grid, which can lead to power outages. That’s why it’s essential to have a backup power solution in place to protect your business. A backup generator is an alternative option to mains power for keeping your lights on and your appliances running even when the power goes out.
Last February the UK was hit by Storm Eunice. The storm caused widespread damage and power outages, resulting in a surge in enquiries for diesel generators across the country. Rental companies could not keep up with the demand, leaving many people stranded without power. With the predicted bad winter, we urge people to get in contact sooner rather than later to discuss power continuity plans.
In 2022 we saw an influx in generator enquiries due to the power crisis. Power bills were at an all-time high, causing people to look at alternative power generation. With the possibility of rising energy costs this winter, a potential option could be to rent a generator before investing in a permanent onsite generator. Your energy consumption and varying fuel prices play a part in whether it will be more cost-effective to obtain your power via a generator or the National Grid. Trialling a rental generator will be a safer option for the foreseeable future.
What to look for When Renting a Generator?
Renting a generator is a common practice when you need a temporary power source for various purposes, such as construction projects, outdoor events, or as a backup power solution during emergencies such as extreme weather. When renting a generator, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you choose the right one for your specific needs. Here’s a checklist of what to look for when renting a generator:Here are three things to look for:
- Power Requirements: Determine the power capacity you need. Calculate the total wattage of the equipment, appliances, or devices you plan to power with the generator. Choose a generator that can handle the total load comfortably, allowing for some extra capacity if needed.
- Fuel Type: Generators can run on various fuel types, including diesel, natural gas. Choose a generator with a fuel source that’s readily available and convenient for your location and duration of use.
- Runtime: Consider how long you’ll need the generator to run continuously. Generators have different fuel tank sizes and fuel efficiency, which will impact their runtime. Ensure the generator can run for the required duration without refueling.
- Noise Level: Some generators can be noisy, which can be a concern, especially in residential areas or events. Check the generator’s noise level specifications, and if noise is a concern, opt for a quieter model.
- Portability: Depending on your needs, you may require a portable generator that can be easily moved to different locations. Consider the generator’s size, weight, and the presence of handles or wheels for mobility.
- Voltage Compatibility: Ensure the generator provides the required voltage for your equipment or appliances. Some generators have multiple outlets with different voltage options.
- Rental Terms and Costs: Understand the rental terms, including the daily or hourly rate, any delivery or pickup fees, and the deposit or insurance requirements. Compare prices and terms from different rental companies to get the best deal.
- Maintenance and Support: Inquire about maintenance requirements during your rental period. Determine if the rental company provides support, such as fuel delivery, maintenance services, or troubleshooting assistance.
- Backup Generator: Consider whether you need a backup generator in case the primary one fails. Discuss this with the rental company and explore their options for backup generators.
- Installation and Safety: Ensure that you or the rental company have the necessary expertise to install and operate the generator safely. Follow all safety guidelines, including proper grounding and ventilation.
- Environmental Regulations: Check local regulations and environmental standards for generator emissions, especially if you’re renting in an urban or environmentally sensitive area. Some places have restrictions on the use of certain types of generators.
- Test Run: Before committing to a rental, ask if you can test run the generator to ensure it meets your requirements and is in proper working condition.
- Fuel Supply: Confirm that you have access to an adequate and safe fuel supply for the generator. Make arrangements for refueling if necessary.
- Emergency Shutdown: Familiarise yourself with the generator’s emergency shutdown procedures in case of any issues or safety concerns.
- Rental Agreement: Read and understand the rental agreement thoroughly, including terms and conditions, responsibilities, and any penalties for misuse or damage.
By considering these factors and thoroughly researching your generator rental options, you can select the right generator to meet your power needs and ensure a smooth and reliable power supply for your project or event. By keeping these three things in mind, you can be sure to find the best generator rental company for your needs.
Generator Rental for Businesses
A power cut can be a major inconvenience. But for businesses, a power outage can mean lost revenue and productivity. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place for how to deal with a power outage. Rental Generators can provide you with the power you need to keep your business running. Shenton Group can offer bespoke rental packages, and we will investigate the best solution for your needs, removing the guesswork.
What Size Generator Do I Need?
The size of the generator is important, as you don’t want to end up with a generator that is too small and won’t be able to power all of your appliances or one that is too big and will be too expensive to run.
Below are some of the questions to consider to size your generator correctly:
- Are you currently running off of a 3phase or 1phase supply?
- What is the size of your mains incomer?
- What is your power usage?
- What do you want the generator to power/support?
Generator Rental Considerations
- The run time required of the generator
- Do you have a fuel management/ strategy in place?
- Where do you intend to locate the generator?
You will also need to rent cables, accessories and spill kits; these elements typically form part of the generator rental package. There are many things to consider, so it is vital that you speak to a reputable generator company that can offer the support that you need.
Disaster Recovery Planning For Businesses
A generator is a key element of any disaster recovery plan. Generator rental can provide your business with the backup power it needs to keep operations running in the event of an outage.
Creating a resilient strategy starts with understanding the risks your business faces. Once you have identified the potential hazards, you can begin to develop a plan that outlines how your business will continue to operate in the event of a disruption.
Your disaster recovery plan should be tailored to your specific business needs and take into account the type of hazards you are likely to face. For example, if your business is located in an area that is prone to severe weather events, you will need to consider how you will maintain power during an outage.
Download your FREE whitepaper to plan a resilient disaster recovery strategy, including a business continuity plan to get you started.
Shenton Group’s Comprehensive Generator Rental Service
Shenton Group has been working in the generator industry for over 40 years supporting commercial clients and offers a comprehensive generator rental service, which includes delivery, installation and maintenance.
Our rental packages are bespoke, and we will investigate the best solution for your needs, removing the guesswork. Even if you are unsure of what you need, and how and where you can install it, our technical experts can advise you from start to finish ensuring you get the correct support for your requirements, and providing complete peace of mind.
Protect Yourself Against Power Outages
Shenton Group offers a complete generator rental service to commercial clients. So if you’re an organisation that needs to keep critical operations running, renting a diesel generator is a good option to consider, but don’t leave it till the last minute.
To rent a generator or to discuss how you can protect your business from power outages this winter, speak to the UK’s Leading Technical Experts today!