In today's fast-paced world, an uninterrupted energy supply is vital for operational success. This applies to every industry, from healthcare and technology to manufacturing, logistics, and beyond.

At UGI Energy Services, we recognize the importance of energy reliability and the need to minimize downtime. Below, learn more about solutions to keep your essential operations running smoothly and help you plan for the unexpected.

Why Energy Reliability Matters

Facilities depend on consistent and high-quality power delivery to function effectively. Whether it's a hospital maintaining life-saving equipment, a data center ensuring seamless connectivity, or an industrial facility keeping production lines operational, energy reliability is non-negotiable.

Key challenges affecting energy reliability include:

• Grid instability can lead to power fluctuations or outages from the main grid.
• Extreme weather events, such as storms, heat waves, or freezing temperatures, can strain energy infrastructure.
• Fuel supply disruptions can cause delivery interruptions.
• Aging infrastructure and outdated power systems are less efficient and more prone to failure. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 70% of transmission lines are over 25 years old and nearing the end of their typical lifespan of 50–80 years.

At UGIES, we help businesses mitigate these risks with customized energy solutions that enhance reliability, efficiency, and resilience.

Strategies for Ensuring Energy Reliability

1. Diversified Energy Sources

Relying on a single energy source increases vulnerability in the event of a disruption. That's why UGIES offers multi-fuel solutions including:

• Natural gas. A reliable, cost-effective, and clean-burning fuel. We also own key natural gas gathering pipelines and strategically-located storage facilities for maximized energy reliability.
• Propane and liquid fuel oil. Both work as excellent backup fuel for emergencies.
• Renewable natural gas (RNG). A sustainable alternative for reducing emissions while maintaining reliability. With RNG, you not only diversify your energy, but can also support your environmental goals.

By diversifying energy supplies, businesses can reduce dependence on the grid and ensure continuous operations.

2. On-Site Power Generation

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. electricity customers experience an average of five and a half hours of electricity interruptions each year. Investing in on-site generation is another way to ensure critical operational capacity is fulfilled even during major outages.

• Combined heat and power (CHP) systems produce both electricity and thermal energy simultaneously, achieving maximum efficiency. This is also a great option for data centers seeking to reduce cooling costs.
• Microgrids function as independent energy systems for larger facilities, such as a campus or business park. Microgrids can operate independent of the main grid during outages, and they’re often powered by CHP systems.
• Dual-fuel generation systems provide flexibility and fuel redundancy, allowing operations to switch between fuel sources during supply disruptions.

These solutions offer greater energy independence, lower costs, and increased control over the power supply, resulting in enhanced reliability and improved overall efficiency.

3. Smarter Power Management

Managing energy reliability is about more than partnering with a reliable provider; it also involves implementing the right technology and strategies at your facility to maximize the benefits of your power supply.

• Battery energy storage systems (BESS) store excess energy for use during periods of peak demand or power outages.
• Demand response programs help reduce energy consumption during periods of high stress, thereby improving grid stability.
• Real-time energy monitoring enables proactive adjustments, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. In contrast to traditional methods of energy audits that rely on manual data collection, real-time monitoring enables operators to identify problems before they escalate.
• Automated load-shedding systems prioritize critical operations during shortages, minimizing disruptions.

Having the right backup plans and systems in place for emergencies is essential for continued operations and avoiding devastating outages. Our team of energy experts has the experience to help businesses implement the right strategies that optimize energy use and cost-effectiveness, ultimately achieving enhanced energy reliability and efficiency.

4. Workforce Training and Emergency Preparedness

Even the most advanced systems fail without skilled operators. By focusing on emergency readiness with your team, you can enhance your organization's resilience.

• Cross-training staff on backup systems such as generators and fuel switches can reduce single-point failures.
• Conducting regular drills for power outage scenarios will allow teams to respond swiftly during an actual incident.
• Clear communication emergency protocols help ensure everyone knows their role, reduce confusion, and enable faster, coordinated responses.
• Create a culture of preparedness by encouraging team members to ask questions about energy reliability and to be involved in improving operations.

Implementing these approaches will ensure a well-trained team as your first and most reliable line of defense in any energy emergency.

UGI Is Your Partner in Energy Reliability

Take control of your energy future and protect your operations from power disruptions. Whether you need resilient fuel supply options, on-site generation, or emergency backup systems, our experts will work with you to develop a reliable, cost-effective energy strategy.

Our team of energy experts is ready to support you with customized solutions and guidance every step of the way. Contact UGI Energy Services today to learn how we can help you achieve uninterrupted, reliable energy for your facility.