The summer storm challenge
Australian summers are known for their beauty, but also their fury. With intense heat and humidity come summer storms, complete with lightning strikes, heavy rains, and strong winds. While these storms can be awe-inspiring, they also bring a significant challenge for businesses - power outages.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has sounded a warning: Australia's biggest cities face rolling blackouts as temperatures rise and coal power plants shut down. AEMO's annual Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) report found that the power network isn't transitioning to renewables as quickly as needed.
According to the AEMO report Victoria is expected to experience reliability issues this summer due to higher temperatures, leading to increased energy consumption as people try to stay cool.
South Australia is also forecasted to have problems this summer and again from 2028-29, New South Wales from 2025-26, and Queensland from 2029-30.
Partnering with the right solution provider is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by potential power outages during hot summer storms. It's essential to have a reliable ally who can support your organisation's needs
The importance of resilience
Outages during hot summer storms can have far-reaching consequences. Consider these risks:
- Data Loss: Critical data can be compromised or lost during sudden power interruptions.
- Operational Downtime: Downtime can result in productivity losses and impact customer service.
- Equipment Damage: Power fluctuations can damage sensitive IT equipment.
Is your business ready?
Ask yourself, "Is my business ready for the summer storms?" It's a question that demands attention from IT managers, facilities managers, and decision-makers. The consequences of unpreparedness can be costly and disruptive, potentially affecting your operations, data, and customer trust.
The key roles of essential infrastructure equipment
Having a knowledgeable partner to help you navigate the complexities of power management and IT infrastructure resilience is essential. The right solutions can play a crucial role in maintaining operational continuity and mitigating risks associated with power fluctuations and outages. Some of the essentials include;
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): These systems ensure a continuous power supply, safeguarding your critical operations during outages.
- Power Distribution Units (PDUs): PDUs efficiently manage and distribute power to your equipment, enhancing your infrastructure's performance.
- Transfer Switches: Seamlessly transition between power sources, minimising downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operations.
- Surge Filtration: Protect your valuable equipment from power surges and spikes, reducing the risk of damage and data loss.
- Data Centre Cooling: Maintaining an optimal temperature in your IT environment is essential to prevent overheating and equipment failures.
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Data Centre Monitoring: Real-time insights enable you to optimise your infrastructure's performance, ensuring it operates at its best.
Five tips to stay ahead of the storm
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Invest in UPS Solutions: Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) can provide backup power during outages, safeguarding critical systems.
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Prioritise Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance for your IT infrastructure to ensure optimal performance.
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Develop an Emergency Plan: Have a contingency plan in place to respond swiftly to power outages and minimise disruptions.
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Back Up Critical Data: Regularly back up essential data to prevent loss in case of outages or data corruption.
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Consider Renewable Energy: Explore renewable energy options like rooftop solar and batteries to reduce your reliance on the grid.
Australia experiences thousands of lightning strikes each year during summer storms. Power fluctuations during storms pose a significant risk to IT infrastructure. These findings should be a reminder to businesses and organisations responsible for critical IT infrastructure.
With the increasing risk of power outages during our hot Australian summer storms, it's crucial to take proactive steps to ensure resilience in the face of power challenges.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you stay operational and resilient in the face of potential power disruptions. Your business's continuity depends on it.