How to Prepare for a Summer Outage

Summer is here, and with it comes the risk of power outages.

As we know from recent reports by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), up to two thirds of North America could face electricity shortages this summer due to prolonged heat.

While we may not be able to control the weather or prevent outages, we can take steps to prepare ourselves for potential emergency situations.

In this article, we will provide you with general tips for preparing for a power outage, as well as specific recommendations on choosing and maintaining a Cummins backup generator.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your household is equipped and ready to handle any unexpected power loss during the summer months.

The NERC Summer Reliability Assessment for 2023

As much as two-thirds of North America could face electricity shortages this summer due to extreme heat, according to the NERC Summer Reliability Assessment for 2023.

While the amount of electric generation capacity across the country is adequate for normal summer weather, spiking temperatures and potential high outage rates from fossil plants and low output from renewables could force interrupted power service.

The U.S. West, Midwestern states that are part of SPP and MISO, Texas, New England, and parts of the upper South are areas that face elevated risk.

General Tips for Preparing for a Power Outage

You don't want to be caught off guard; make sure you've got everything you need to stay safe and comfortable during a potential loss of electricity.

One way to prepare for a power outage is by having a backup generator. Generators provide an alternative source of power that can keep your essential appliances running until power is restored. Make sure you have enough fuel on hand to last at least several days.

Another tip for preparing for a power outage is stocking up on non-perishable food items and bottled water. During an outage, refrigerated and frozen food may spoil quickly, so it's important to have alternatives that won't require electricity. Additionally, it's wise to have flashlights or lanterns with extra batteries on hand in case of an extended outage. Consider investing in solar-powered chargers for your phone and other devices as well.

Lastly, consider creating an emergency plan with your family so everyone knows what to do in the event of a prolonged outage. This could include designated meeting spots outside the home, identifying vulnerable family members who may need additional assistance during an outage, and making sure everyone knows how to safely operate any generators or other backup equipment you may have.

Being prepared ahead of time can help ease the stress and anxiety that come with unexpected outages and ensure you stay safe until normal service resumes.

Choosing the Right Cummins Backup Generator

Don't wait until it's too late to ensure your home is protected during potential electricity disruptions - consider choosing the right Cummins backup generator now.

A reliable backup generator can provide peace of mind during times when power outages are likely to occur, whether due to extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. And when it comes to generators, Cummins is a name you can trust.

Cummins offers a wide range of backup generators in different sizes and capacities, so homeowners can choose the one that best suits their needs. Their generators are designed for both residential and commercial use, and are known for their durability and reliability.

Investing in a Cummins generator is not only practical, but also cost-effective. By having a reliable backup power source at your disposal, you'll be able to avoid costly damages that may result from prolonged power outages such as spoiled food or damaged appliances.

Plus, with regular maintenance and upkeep, your Cummins generator will last for years to come.

See what type of generator is right for your home HERE.

The Importance of Summer Routine Generator Maintenance

Ensure your Cummins backup generator remains in top condition during the hot months by regularly maintaining it to prevent unexpected disruptions.

Summer is a crucial time for standby generators as power outages may occur due to the increased demand for electricity and extreme weather conditions. Scheduling routine maintenance checks with a qualified technician can help avoid potential malfunctions and keep your generator operating at peak performance.

During routine maintenance, technicians will conduct various inspections such as checking the oil level, testing the battery, cleaning or replacing air filters, and inspecting electrical connections. These checks are important in ensuring that your standby generator is working properly and efficiently. By detecting any issues early on, you can prevent costly repairs down the line and ensure that your home or business has uninterrupted power supply during an outage.

In addition to regular maintenance checks, it's also important to run your Cummins backup generator regularly during the summer months. This helps keep all components lubricated and prevents buildup of moisture or rust that could lead to damage or failure when you need it most.

Don't wait until an emergency situation arises before turning on your standby generator; instead, consider running it once every month for at least 30 minutes under load to maintain its reliability. With proper maintenance and usage practices in place, you can rest assured that your Cummins backup generator will be ready when you need it most this summer season.

Need to schedule maintenance now? Click HERE.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the NERC report serves as a reminder that electricity shortages are a real possibility this summer.

As individuals, there are simple steps we can take to prepare for potential power outages. It's important to have a backup generator in case of emergencies and to ensure it's properly maintained. Additionally, being mindful of our energy consumption during peak times can help alleviate stress on the grid.

At the same time, it's crucial for state regulators, grid operators, and power plants to remain vigilant and work together to mitigate any potential risks. This includes monitoring emission rule constraints and addressing any issues with fossil fuel plants or renewable energy sources.

By taking proactive measures both individually and collectively, we can help ensure reliable access to electricity throughout the summer months.