Building Rental Power
Caterpillar Discusses the Essential of a Finding a Rental Power Provider

From clearing the land, to laying foundations and building structures, the level of power required can change dramatically over the course of the project. Meeting pre-determined deadlines often requires specialized power generation and equipment. Any delays in progress can equate to substantial financial losses. By creating a relationship and plan with a rental power provider, you can ensure an adequate level of power is there when you need it.

When choosing a rental service as part of an overall energy plan, it is of primary importance to establish the provider’s credibility from both a service and an equipment standpoint, as the power system you rent is only as reliable as the supplier that backs it. Key indicators of a credible rental power provider include certification as an authorized sales and service representative of the products supplied, as well as use of genuine parts for the service of those products. A rental power provider that is also part of a nationwide network can assist with larger-scale, multi-site power needs, offering a total rental power solution through a single source.

It is also important to evaluate the ability of the provider to deliver a complete, reliable system tailored to your specific application needs. This includes the ability of the rental provider to accurately specify the correct amount of power and the complete equipment needs. In addition, the evaluation process should include the rental power provider’s ability to support the stages following equipment specification, from on-time delivery, to setup and testing, to on-site monitoring for optimal equipment functioning.

It is also of crucial importance to identify a rental power provider capable of delivering the equipment you need when you need it -- especially in an emergency situation. A provider that offers 24/7/365 specification and delivery of rental power systems can ensure critical operations are back up and running as soon as possible. In addition to continuous power products, a rental power provider offering additional items such as temperature control units, air compressors and fuel can conveniently round out your total rental needs.

The final component of evaluating a source for rental power comes in an internal examination of logistics, answering questions from: where will the generator sets go once they arrive to how will cable be routed from the power supply outside to the electrical distribution boxes inside? Though a well-qualified and credible rental power supplier will be able to offer support around each stage of your rental power application, having an idea of the logistics in advance will ensure delivery and installation of equipment is as smooth as possible.

As discussed, there are five major elements to consider when evaluating a rental power provider. The examples below demonstrate how critical your choice can be. The lack of a rental power source or utilizing a source that offers incomplete services can detrimentally impact your bottom line.

One Complete Solution

Power products not available from a single source would necessitate use of multiple vendors, subsequently requiring multiple contracts and reliance on service and support from more than one source. This can be both expensive and inefficient. Complete, reliable rental service provides single-source access to all product and accessory needs, including continuous power systems, cooling systems and air compressors.

Support

Without reliable support, many problems can arise. Over or under estimating power needs may result in unnecessary equipment or, even more serious, an inadequate power solution. Expert technicians should be available every step of the way to assist in planning a system, delivering equipment, providing technical support, service, maintenance and training programs for rental projects.

Response

Downtime can be devastating — affecting production, manufacturing equipment, sales and critical data — even compromising environmental safety and incurring legal liabilities from lapsed service. A rental power source unable to deliver on your power needs as soon as they arise can result in significant losses. A reliable rental power provider understands the urgency of your needs. They can immediately outfit your system, deliver it (with all the ancillary equipment included), provide the connection, fuel, startup, service and maintenance and can remain on-site to provide support when necessary.

Costs

Rigid financing, contractual agreements and an inability to evaluate the ideal balance of renting vs. purchasing power equipment limits the rental power supplier from offering optimal economic efficiency to the customer. A rental power supplier sensitive to cost issues will work with a customer to plan for temporary power needs and will offer customizable financing and contingency agreements.

Environmental Considerations

Specific environmental considerations cannot be met with the equipment offered by the provider, or equipment offered causes emission of excess air and noise pollution to the environment inside and/or surrounding the site. A rental power supplier offers units specially engineered to produce lower gas/diesel emissions and meet or exceed local emission standards, and will offer services such as sound attenuation for sensitive environments. All units come with standard fuel containment.

For additional information on Cat Rental Power, visit http://go.cateps.com/pp or contact your local Cat dealer.