Most of us take for granted that when we flip a switch, the power comes on. We expect our appliances, computers, and equipment to work instantly—until a power outage hits. When that happens, businesses grind to a halt. Cash registers go dark, card readers stop working, security systems fail, and production lines shut down. What seems like a temporary inconvenience can quickly turn into a costly problem.
Let’s look at what a power outage can actually cost your business.
What a Power Outage Can Actually Cost Your Business
Lost Revenue
This is the biggest hit to businesses when power goes out. In today’s world, nearly every business process depends on electricity—from computer systems and credit card readers to kitchen equipment and inventory management. When the power goes down, operations stop, and so does your income. Depending on your business, that downtime can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars per hour.
Lost Customers
Today’s customers expect seamless, instant service. If your website goes down because of a hosting provider’s power outage, visitors have no way of knowing why—they just assume your site doesn’t work and move on to a competitor. If someone stops by your coffee shop for a latte and your espresso machine is down, they’ll likely leave frustrated and may not come back. Even with a valid excuse, the damage to customer trust can be hard to undo.
Lost Production Time
When the power goes out, assembly lines stop, machinery shuts down, and employees can’t do their jobs. If you’re a manufacturer, this puts you behind schedule on deliveries and commitments to customers. Even if you invest in overtime to catch up, you’re still paying extra labor costs while dealing with frustrated clients and damaged satisfaction ratings.
Lost Employee Productivity
Most employees rely on computers and powered equipment to do their work. When the power goes out, they’re left idle—and you’re still paying them while generating zero revenue. For many businesses, this idle time translates to significant financial losses that add up quickly during extended outages.
Damaged Equipment
When power is restored, electrical surges can damage unprotected equipment. Now you’re not only dealing with lost productivity during the outage, but also with repair or replacement costs and additional downtime while equipment is fixed or replaced.
Why Backup Generators Are Essential
The costs outlined above make it clear: power outages aren’t just inconvenient—they’re expensive. For many businesses, a single extended outage can result in losses that far exceed the investment in a backup generator. Generators provide immediate power when the grid goes down, keeping your operations running, your employees productive, and your customers satisfied. Whether it’s a brief interruption or a multi-day outage from severe weather, having a generator means you stay in business while your competitors go dark.
The Importance of a Reliable Fueling Partner
But a generator is only as reliable as its fuel supply. Running out of diesel during an extended outage defeats the entire purpose of having backup power. That’s why partnering with a local, dependable fuel supplier is just as critical as having the generator itself. A reliable generator fueling partner monitors your fuel levels, delivers on schedule, and responds quickly during emergencies—ensuring your generator can run for as long as you need it. When severe weather hits and fuel becomes scarce, having an established relationship with a trusted local supplier can make all the difference between staying operational and shutting down.
Keep Your Business Running With Generator Fueling From OilWorks
Backup generators can prevent the costly downtime that comes with power outages. OilWorks provides reliable on-site diesel delivery for generators across Central Ohio, ensuring your backup power is always ready when you need it. We also offer fuel monitoring and emergency delivery services. Contact us today to learn more about our generator fueling solutions!