27 January 2025
Jason Koffler, CEO of Critical Power Supplies
As the CEO of Critical Power Supplies, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact of power resilience on businesses and communities across the UK. In today’s fast-evolving energy landscape, characterised by ageing infrastructure, renewable energy variability, and the rising frequency of extreme weather events, the importance of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions cannot be overstated. Power outages are no longer rare or isolated incidents—they are a pressing reality for everyone, underscoring the need for proactive measures to ensure operational continuity.
The Reality of Power Disruptions
Recent statistics paint a grim picture. Two-thirds of UK residents have experienced a power outage in their area, with the average disruption lasting over two hours. While these may seem manageable, the implications for businesses and critical services can be catastrophic. A mere moment of downtime can result in operational paralysis, data loss, and significant financial losses. The stakes for hospitals, transportation systems, and public utilities are even higher, where power interruptions can jeopardise safety and lives.
The stormy start to 2025 served as a stark reminder of the fragility of our power infrastructure. Storm Henk and subsequent snowstorms plunged parts of the UK into darkness, leaving cities like Birmingham, Bristol, and Cardiff grappling with outages and disruptions. In some cases, organisations narrowly avoided disasters; in others, operations abruptly stopped. These events were not isolated anomalies, but a growing trend fuelled by climate change and systemic vulnerabilities in the energy grid.
The Cost of Complacency
One common misconception I encounter is the belief that blackouts are “rare occurrences” and, therefore, not worth investing in mitigation measures. This could not be further from the truth. The frequency and severity of power disruptions are escalating, driven by a confluence of factors:
The Transition to Renewable Energy
While the shift to cleaner energy sources is critical for combating climate change, it has introduced challenges. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are inherently variable, making it difficult to maintain consistent energy output.
Ageing Infrastructure
The UK’s energy grid is one of the most resilient globally but is not immune to failures. Decades-old components and increasing energy demand have stretched the system to its limits.
Extreme Weather Events: The storms at the start of 2025 are the latest examples of how unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on the grid. High winds, flooding, and heavy snowfall are increasingly common and devastating.
Complacency can be incredibly costly for businesses. Imagine a retail company losing its point-of-sale systems during peak trading hours or a manufacturer’s production lines coming to a standstill due to a blackout. The financial and reputational damage can be immense.
A Solution Within Reach
At Critical Power Supplies, we are committed to ensuring power resilience through UPS solutions and backup power systems. The key is to identify the vulnerabilities in your power infrastructure and take proactive steps to address them. Waiting for a crisis to strike is not an option.
A UPS system is more than just a backup—it is your safeguard against the unpredictable. Unlike generators, which take time to activate, a UPS provides instantaneous power, ensuring seamless continuity for critical systems. Whether it’s a data center, a healthcare facility, or an industrial plant, UPS systems bridge the gap between power loss and restoration, protecting operations, data, and equipment.
The benefits are clear:
• Continuity: A UPS solution ensures operations remain uninterrupted during outages, allowing businesses to maintain productivity and meet customer expectations.
• Equipment Protection: Power surges and voltage fluctuations can cause irreversible damage to sensitive systems. A UPS stabilises power, minimising risks to your infrastructure.
• Adaptability: With customisable solutions, a UPS can cater to the unique needs of residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Call to Action for All Sectors
The responsibility for power resilience does not rest with businesses alone. Public sector organisations, from schools to hospitals, must also prioritise investments in backup power systems. The recent power outage at East Surrey Hospital’s intensive care unit underscored the life-threatening consequences of being unprepared. While the facility navigated the crisis, it was a stark reminder of how vital power continuity is to critical services.
Similarly, UPS solutions can be crucial in protecting tenants and maintaining essential services during outages for residential developments and housing associations. Reliable power is foundational to modern living, from emergency lighting to server systems for managing properties.
Building a Resilient Future
Power resilience will be as essential as cybersecurity or environmental sustainability. As the energy landscape evolves, so too must our approach to preparedness. Investing in a comprehensive power strategy is not just about mitigating risks—it is about ensuring operational excellence and safeguarding the trust of stakeholders.
At Critical Power Supplies, we advocate for a three-step approach:
1. Risk Assessment: Identify potential vulnerabilities in your power infrastructure.
2. Customised Solutions: Design and implement UPS systems tailored to your needs.
3. Ongoing Support: Maintain and monitor systems to ensure long-term reliability.
Embracing Resilience
The challenges we face are undeniable, but so are the opportunities to overcome them. In an uncertain energy future, backup power solutions deliver power continuity and are an investment not just in equipment—but also in stability, reliability, and peace of mind.
The start of 2025 has shown us what is at stake. Now is the time to act. Critical Power Supplies stands ready to help you secure your operations, protect your people, and navigate whatever challenges lie ahead.
Act now before the next outage strikes!
