The Questions Businesses Should Be Asking About Backup Power

By EJ Roussel – Account Manager, Generator Source 

Why the Right Questions Matter 

When it comes to industrial generators, the difference between success and setbacks often comes down to the questions businesses ask before making a decision. In my role as an Account Manager at Generator Source, I speak with organizations across many industries, from contractors and commercial facilities to remote operations that rely on generators every day for operational uptime. 

The inquiries I hear reveal not just what customers want, but what they need to be thinking about to protect their operations. These are the questions every business should be asking when evaluating backup power. 

1. Can This Generator Sustain Remote or Off-Grid Operations? 

For businesses in rural or off-grid areas, a generator isn’t just backup, it’s the backbone of daily operations. Farms, wilderness lodges, and remote industrial sites often face outages that stretch for days at a time. In these cases, the right question is: Can this generator run reliably for extended periods when there’s no utility grid to fall back on? 

One example involved a remote lodge that relied on an undersized generator. The unit struggled during multi-day outages and simply couldn’t keep up with the facility’s load. Their top priority when seeking a replacement was assurance that a new generator could operate continuously without failure, even in harsh conditions. 

For applications like these, thorough inspections, load bank testing, and proper system sizing are essential. They ensure that the generator doesn’t just run for a few hours, but can deliver steady, reliable power for as long as the outage lasts. Businesses in remote locations should always evaluate not only a generator’s capacity, but also its durability, efficiency, and serviceability in environments where outside support is limited. 

2. Do We Have Fuel Flexibility? 

Fuel supply chains can be disrupted by severe weather, transportation delays, or geographic limitations. The question businesses should ask is: What happens if my preferred fuel source isn’t available when I need it most? 

This concern is especially critical in storm-prone areas or regions with limited fuel infrastructure. For example, some facilities face the risk of diesel shortages during hurricanes, while others in rural areas may find propane easier to access or store long-term. One facility inquiry highlighted the value of investing in a dual-fuel generator that could switch between diesel and propane. This flexibility provided not only resilience during emergencies, but also more control over long-term operating costs. 

Asking about fuel flexibility upfront ensures that a generator isn’t tied to a single supply line. For mission-critical applications like hospitals, data centers, or agricultural operations, this can be the difference between continuous uptime and costly downtime. Dual-fuel capability gives organizations more control over fuel sourcing, cost stability, and emergency preparedness. 

3. Are Logistics and Site Requirements Fully Accounted For? 

Buying a generator is only part of the process, the real challenge often comes when it’s time to move, install, and integrate the unit at the facility. The right question here is: What will it take to actually get this generator on site and operational? 

Site-specific logistics can add unexpected complications. Customers often worry about whether they’ll need cranes, rigging crews, or special equipment to handle delivery and placement. In one case, a commercial facility in Colorado was concerned about the costs of bringing in a crane for loading. Because our facility had heavy-duty forklifts capable of handling the job, we eliminated unnecessary expenses and delays. 

Planning for logistics early avoids surprises. It means factoring in transportation routes, site access, equipment needed for unloading, and integration into existing infrastructure. These details can significantly affect both project costs and timelines. Businesses should always partner with a provider that can anticipate these challenges and streamline delivery from the warehouse to the job site. 

Asking Better Questions Builds Confidence 

The most successful generator projects don’t just happen because a unit is available at the right price. They succeed because businesses ask the right questions, about communication, runtime, fuel options, and logistics, before the purchase is finalized. 

At Generator Source, we believe these conversations should start from the first inquiry. With over 50 years of experience and facilities in Colorado, Florida, and Texas, our team is here to make sure every generator purchase delivers not only power, but peace of mind. 

If your organization is evaluating backup power solutions, call or email me today at 877-866-6895 / [email protected].