By Sam | October 30, 2012

Calculate Generator Requirements for a Credit Union

You can’t serve your members if you don’t have power. It’s as simple as that.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Credit Union leaders are reviewing their plans and taking action steps to improve their response and recovery efforts. It’s undeniably true that when federal/state/regional/local emergencies are declared and residents are REQUIRED to evacuate or shelter-in-place, there is little expected of your Credit Union in terms of operational services. People safety IS and always will be first on the minds of your community. Closing during this time is not only reasonable, it’s expected. But fast forward to just hours after the event when members and businesses are assessing damages and begin their recovery own recovery efforts. All eyes are immediately upon your Credit Union as a resource to make their recovery happen! Sure, your e-delivery channels are working (online banking, ATMs, etc.) but the community will look for that in-person/reassuring touch given only at your branches even while major power outages are still being addressed. Mitigating the risk of a sustained power outage with a generator plan can help meet this need.

To determine your generator needs, first look at the following:

• How often does your Credit Union lose power?
• How long do the outages normally last?
• What key processes and systems must be immediately available?
• What electrical equipment must be restored immediately after the event?

Using this information, your Credit Union can begin to look at power resources/generators that meet these needs. In most cases, your options will be that of a portable type generator or a stand-by system. Portable generators are intended to be portable and provide minimal capacity (usually less than 15 kilowatts and 240 volts). Operationally, this type of generator may be a resource for small Credit Unions in low risk areas. In contrast, standby generators are permanently installed systems intended to replace the primary electrical/power source for a pre-determined electrical load given a power disruption. “Fail over” technologies that sense a power loss will transfer the critical equipment to run off the generator, minimizing and often preventing any downtime to your operations.

Two Calculations – How Much? & How Long?

How Much?

First make a list of all the critical equipment, lights, etc. that you will need to operate at a minimum capacity. Jot down all of the power usage data and put in a spread sheet. You will need Watts, Volts and Amps to do the final calculation for each piece of equipment. A quick list should include:

• Servers
• SANS
• Routers
• Switches
• Air Conditioning etc. (everything related to IT)
• PCs, phones, lights, copiers, and fax machines related to key staff
• ATMS or Branch equipment (if planning for the branch to be on generator)
• Anything else

How Long?

Once you have determined what the load will be you will than need to calculate how long you think you would need to run on the generator. More Time = More Fuel. You may also want to consider using natural gas as you will not need to worry about running out of fuel.

Once you have answered the How Much and How Long questions, you should be at a good point to determine budget and costs.

Having a generator plan is no longer an option, it is a necessity. This fall back tool can greatly reduce business interruptions when power is disrupted by providing limited power to Credit Union key systems and locations. Do you need some assistance in determining your critical processes and systems that need to be recovered immediately? Contact us at info@ongoingoperations.com or fill out the short form below and a team member will be in touch shortly!