Parallel generation is when consumers generate their own electricity, often as a backup source during power outages. It is common in institutions and businesses, but residential consumers are now exploring alternative forms of energy to reduce dependence on the grid. Hybrid systems incorporating solar or wind power are becoming more popular, but safety standards must be met.
Parallel generation is a term used to identify the practice of consumers using various strategies to generate electricity rather than relying solely on the efforts of a power company to generate and supply power on an ongoing basis. In the past, institutions and businesses often established a means of generating electricity that was either fully self-contained or could serve as a backup source in the event that electricity from a utility was temporarily cut off. More recently, residential consumers have begun to explore parallel generation using alternative forms of energy as a means of increasing utility-supplied power while remaining connected to the grid.
Traditionally, parallel generation has been seen as a way to deal with emergency situations where some event has temporarily affected the normal electricity distribution process. For example, a hospital may have its own substation that can generate a limited amount of power if the local power company’s power goes out due to some type of disaster. By having a means in place to generate at least some energy to supply the hospital, it is possible to continue essential services to patients and keep them alive and comfortable during the temporary crisis.
Similarly, parallel generation of power is common to many businesses that rely heavily on electricity to maintain customer services. Telecommunication companies typically have power backup systems in place that help keep facilities running even if the normal power source is suddenly unavailable. Manufacturing companies may also have an on-site power generation plant that can automatically go into production if power from the local supplier is cut off for any reason. In situations of this nature, the goal is to prevent financial losses that would otherwise result from the inability to continue production through the power blackout.
Parallel customer generation is not often seen as a means to compete with utility companies or even as a complete substitute for receiving power through the local grid. Rather, this form of alternative energy generation is intended for short-term use when power is unavailable for some reason. This is slowly changing as more consumers look for ways to create hybrid power systems that incorporate solar or wind power generation as a means of reducing day-to-day dependence on the local electrical grid. In many jurisdictions, businesses and residents who choose to create this type of hybrid system must ensure that their efforts comply with local safety standards, a measure that helps minimize the chances of harm or danger to human life to due to a faulty or unsafe generator or other apparatus used in the production of alternatives to sole reliance on the local power company.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
