power grid failure
March 16, 2023

The North Carolina power grid is the backbone of our state. It is a complex and interconnected system that provides electricity to homes, businesses, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure. It is responsible for delivering reliable and affordable electricity to consumers across the country. 

While the North Carolina power grid is designed to be reliable, outages can occur for a variety of reasons. Severe weather, equipment failure, and cyber attacks are just a few examples of events that can cause a power outage. When a power outage occurs, it can be inconvenient, costly, and even dangerous. During an outage, you could be left without electricity for hours or even days, which can be a significant inconvenience and pose a threat to your safety.

Benefits of Generators

This is where having a generator can come in handy. A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It can provide temporary power during a power outage and keep your essential appliances running. There are many types of generators available in the market, including portable generators and standby generators. Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home or business and automatically turn on during an outage, while portable generators can be moved around and manually started.

Having a generator can be especially important for people who live in areas that are prone to power outages. For example, if you live in an area that is frequently affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe winter storms, you may experience extended power outages. During these situations, a generator can be a lifesaver. It can keep your refrigerator running, power your heating or cooling system, and provide light during the night.

Another benefit of having a generator is that it can help you save money on hotel expenses or food spoilage during extended outages. By having a generator, you can stay in your home comfortably and avoid the hassle of finding temporary accommodations. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if the outage lasts for several days or longer. Additionally, if you have food in your refrigerator or freezer, a generator can help keep them running, preventing spoilage and saving you money on having to purchase new groceries. 

How Generators Detect an Outage

Standby generators, which are often used as backup power sources for homes and businesses, are equipped with automatic transfer switches that detect when there is a power outage and automatically turn the generator on. When the power goes out, the transfer switch senses the loss of electricity and sends a signal to the generator to start up. The transfer switch then disconnects the home or business from the main power grid and connects it to the generator, providing a reliable source of backup power until the main power is restored. 

north carolina power grid failure infographic

Generators for Businesses

In addition to providing temporary power during outages, generators can also be used as a backup power source for businesses. Power outages can cause significant disruptions to businesses, leading to lost productivity and revenue. Having a generator can help keep your business running during an outage and minimize the impact on your operations.

Power outages can happen unexpectedly and are often unpredictable, which is why having a generator can provide peace of mind and security during these situations. A generator can keep your essential appliances running, save you money, and be a valuable investment in your home or business.

North Carolina Power Grid Failures

charlotte north carolina power grid

If you’re wondering how frequently North Carolina experiences power grid issues, it happens more likely than you may realize. In fact, an attack on two power substations left more than 40,000 people without power in December 2022 in Moore County. Being left without power during any time of the year can cause unrest, but especially power outages during the holiday season. It’s important to remember that these sort of events are unpredictable and can occur at any given moment. The only way to ensure your family or even businesses safety from power outage related issues is to have a generator.

If you’re considering a generator, be sure to choose the right size and type, have it installed by a professional, and maintain it properly. At Power Source, we can help you choose the right generator for your needs and provide professional installation and maintenance services.