As utilities shut down coal-fired power plants and the push for electrification of homes, businesses, and vehicles accelerates, power companies are facing serious capacity questions. And even with the billions of dollars’ worth of new infrastructure and investments in alternative energy sources, the demand for electricity is likely to strain—or even disrupt—delivery of electrical power to customers.
Add the explosive growth of huge data processing centers for technologies like artificial intelligence and bitcoin mining, along with the organic natural growth of data processing in general, and the likelihood of brownouts and power disruptions grows. Throw in a natural disaster or two and the situation gets real in a hurry.
Plans Are in Place, But Are They Realistic?
Colorado Governor Jared Polis wants to see 100% of the power on Colorado’s electric grid to come from renewable energy sources by 2040. State lawmakers have approved bills aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions completely by 2050. And municipalities, including Denver and Boulder, have set equally ambitious targets and have even banned new natural gas hookups.
But according to a 2024 report by the nonprofit North American Electric Corp., about half of North America is at elevated or high risk of energy shortfalls over the next five to 10 years as power plants are retired and the pressure for more electricity escalates.
Outages Range from Annoying to Disastrous
How long can you afford to be without power? A day? A week? Longer?
Major disruptions like the current California wildfires and earlier calamities like the 2021 fires in the Colorado foothills and the ice storms in Texas have caused widespread outages, often lasting for weeks.
Food will keep for 24-48 hours in a well-packed refrigerator or freezer, but can you consume it before it goes bad? Candles and oil- or battery-powered lamps will last as long as the supply holds out as will cell phones and computer networks with backup batteries. So a short interruption may be only an annoyance.
But what about heat and essential medical equipment? Warm weather outages may be tolerable without air conditioning but even a short loss of life-supporting devices can be tragic. And even gas-fired furnaces and water heaters often rely on electricity for their thermostats and ignition.
When the Power Goes Out Do You Have a Backup Plan?
It’s important to know what’s causing the power outage and how long it will last so you know how to react. Xcel Energyencourages customers to prepare for an outage. Better yet, since power outages are becoming more of a concern, consider adding backup power to your home.
Choosing the Right Backup Power Supply
Your choice of backup power will depend on your individual needs and your budget.
Outages are usually dealt with in a relatively short (or at least shorter) time in the cities and towns, but even a few hours of downtime can be a big problem. And when heavy winter snow and ice hit, even urban dwellers can be without power for a day or more.
Backup Batteries—A short-term answer
Backup batteries, both integrated and standalone, can be a temporary option for your computer or Wi-Fi network, but when you have a big project to finish, a dark house full of bored kids, appliances that don’t work, or someone relying on electrical devices for home health care, a backup generator is a better solution, especially in bad weather. Backup batteries are best for short outages since even “heavy duty” batteries have limited storage capacity.
Backup Generators
Generators fall into two basic categories: portable and permanent. Choosing the best one for you is a balance between your needs and your budget. Here are some considerations:
Portable Generators
Portable gasoline-powered generators are the least expensive longer-term backup power options. Properly sized, operated, and maintained, they’re a good choice for occasional outages, are budget-friendly, and can be used (carefully) by homeowners.
They also require some effort to set up, maintain, and operate and can be dangerous to use. If you’re considering a portable generator, read our article Backup Generator Benefits before buying. It has safety tips as well.
Any generator that ties into the household electrical supply should be set up by a licensed electrical contractor. Improper connections can result in severe damage to your home’s circuitry, injury, and devastating house fires.
Permanent Whole-House Generators
Long the choice of hospitals and commercial locations, a permanently installed generator has several advantages for homeowners too. Resembling an air conditioning unit, they’re as close to a “set it and forget it system” as you can get. They’re normally connected to a natural gas or propane supply, so you don’t have to worry about storing potentially dangerous gasoline—or running out at the worst time. They have sophisticated controls and switches that automatically turn the unit on when an outage is detected. They also cycle the generator periodically to keep it in good working condition and notify you when it isn’t.
Whole-house gas generators are also the most expensive to buy and install but are a very reliable source of power for places where minimizing downtime is important and natural gas or propane fuel is available.
A Budget-Friendly Solution to Reliable Backup Power
If a permanent, whole-house generator isn’t right for you, Allstar Electric Services recommends a gasoline-powered portable outdoor generator of at least 4500 running watts and the proper outlet receptacles that can connect to your home’s electrical service. This should be enough to power most average households if the loads are managed properly.
The generator connects to a 120/240 volt, 30-amp outdoor inlet box with a safety interlock and a subpanel that allows you to select which appliances and circuits are powered to manage the load on your electrical system.This work should be done by a licensed, insured professional electrical contractor familiar with the process.
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 Electricalat 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.