What Type of Generator is Right for You?

6 Industries That Will Benefit from a Backup Power Generator

Category:

Date: October 15th, 2022

Whether the power shutdowns in your area are frequent and long-lasting or not, it’s safe to equip your business with a backup generator to avoid any issues. It will help ensure your business is prepared for the worst when it happens and that there are no disruptions to your day-to-day operations.

While all industries can benefit from a backup power generator, here we have listed six of them where having a backup power generator is inevitable.

1. Communications

Data centers and computer servers store huge amounts of data and offer maximum uptime warranties to their clients. In fact, they have service-level agreements with some of the world’s top companies. They need a reliable electricity source to ensure the information is available 24/7 to avoid inconvenience and penalties for breaching their agreements.

With power outages literally locking them out of their servers and rendering important data inaccessible, electrical downtime can be disastrous in this industry. Therefore, data centers must invest in high-end power backup systems for their sustenance. For instance, a Kohler backup generator can offer reliable backup power during an outage. Data centers might need multiple standby generators operating simultaneously to support their load and keep the servers running. But the number depends on the size of the data center in question.

 

2. Hospitals and Healthcare Centers

Hospitals and healthcare centers can’t afford long hours of power outages today, especially with sophisticated equipment and life support systems requiring continuous power supply 24/7. Emergency power backup is vital for healthcare facilities and hospitals as it affects every aspect of patient care. From performing critical operations in the ER rooms to providing life support in the ICU, healthcare facilities need standby power generators to keep patients breathing and save lives.

Besides requiring power backup for life support equipment, healthcare facilities also need backup electric power to keep their standard office equipment, like computers, operational throughout the day. It will help avoid any inconvenience for their staff, patients, and caregivers. Therefore, having an onsite backup power generator is vitally important for these facilities.

 

3. Oil and Gas

Time is invaluable for businesses operating in the oil and gas industry. During a power outage, they lose revenue with every second that goes by. But there’s more to the story. Drilling for gas or oil requires their teams to travel to remote areas without access to electric power. In such scenarios, drilling teams use large generators to power their oilfield equipment. They can rely on natural gas generators to create power by capturing gas escaping from the wellhead and fueling the generator with it. Ideally, they could have additional diesel generators as a backup for the power system. These isolated environments usually have surprisingly high power requirements to carry out larger operations that would otherwise be impossible if you didn’t have a reliable backup power generator.

 

4. Utilities

It may sound strange, but utility providers need a backup generator like everyone else. In order to provide gas, water, and other utilities, electric motors work in the background to keep things moving. Furthermore, the pumps used to move waste through a water treatment plant also rely on a consistent electric supply to keep working 24/7. What might be even more surprising for you is the fact that a sudden power outage can cause equipment failure and quickly turn into a catastrophic environmental disaster. To avoid such a disaster, a backup power generator is more of a necessity for this industry.

 

5. Agriculture

The agriculture industry has come a long way forward from where it used to be a few years back. The use of technology in agriculture has changed things quite a lot, from conventional farming to modern-day agriculture. Indoor farming in commercial warehouses throughout the year calls for huge amounts of electric power. Quite often, utility power supply fails to meet the needs of these commercial farming facilities, and electrical upgrades are next to impossible. Furthermore, limited availability and high electricity costs have made backup power generators a must-have for the agriculture industry. The use of electric power for irrigation pumps, air circulation, fans, cooling, lights, computing, and controlling climate has increased the power requirements of indoor growing facilities. Therefore, having a backup power generator is inevitable.

 

6. Manufacturing

Electric power drives the manufacturing industry, and a lot of processes rely on a consistent power supply to keep the manufacturing processes running. From sensitive microprocessors and precision chemistry equipment to the brewing process for beers, companies can’t afford their automation equipment to stop in the middle of the manufacturing cycle. Power outages in the middle of these processes can lead to a serious loss of time and money. Sometimes, it may even damage your manufacturing equipment.

Large-scale manufacturing facilities need multiple megawatts of backup power to keep the manufacturing processes running and the equipment operational. It will help them meet their manufacturing targets monthly while also ensuring their equipment works optimally. Therefore, businesses in the manufacturing industry must invest in a reliable backup power generator for sustainable growth.

Electric power has become part and parcel of life in the modern day and age. Using advanced technologies and equipment in different industries calls for an uninterrupted power supply to keep them operational at all times and get the maximum yield. Investing in a reliable power source, like a Kohler backup generator, always pays off.

 

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    The Future of Power Shortages in the West

    The Future of Power Shortages in the West

    Category:

    Date: Thursday, September 8th, 2022

    In April of this year, Bloomberg.com published an online article that garnered national attention. The article focused on the current historic drought throughout the Western states and especially its potential to create power blackouts across California this summer. This Bloomberg article was just one of many recent national news items addressing the West’s continuing challenges for power generation which relies heavily on hydropower to keep the lights on while our Western rivers are slowing their flow and wildfires are threatening our communities. Since that time multiple sources have reported additional information on the reduction of water from the Colorado river resulting in record lows at Lake Mead.

    This drought comes at a time when our desire to reduce fossil fuels and our growing energy demand is creating a power pinch point, an energy crisis. The less we rely on fossil fuels, the more we must rely on electricity. However, a huge increase in demand for electricity further complicates the shortening supply. At the same time, our electrical dependence is becoming more critical just when our grid reliability is being called into question.

    There Are Ways to Protect Your Power

    Despite these energy challenges, tools are available for commercial and business customers to keep their assets safe and their lights on. Power Systems West (PSW) has made reliable back-up power our main mission since 1955. When the grid goes down, Power Systems West is there.

    As a backup power and service provider, PSW takes power grid reliability seriously. Our company is currently experiencing an increase in around-the-clock emergency generator services for all seasons of the year. PSW supports Kohler Power generators, transfer switches and accessory back-up power products across the expansive territory in the west (territory includes Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington.)

    PSW application engineers and service technicians are servicing businesses that are now requiring backup power for their fleets and auxiliary equipment in addition to their traditional facility operations. Our team supports thousands of generators under maintenance contracts where we sell reliability and emergency responsiveness. Our service has never been in a higher demand and we expect this trend to continue. We have also been working on comprehensive future solutions to incorporate new technologies into the equation. We believe the future is solutions that incorporate solar, energy storage and back-up power giving companies redundancy in their energy plan and allowing for electrical efficiencies to be gained. To make sure we have the capability to maintain our standards for service and reliability today and into the future, our team has been researching the factors we can monitor and forecast over the coming years. Our goal is to plan ahead and for the future of this energy crisis and make the necessary investments now that allow us to add value when our customers need us most. We hope to share our findings with the market, and to help our communities better prepare for what is to come.

     

    What We Have Found

    The extensive drought, loss of snowpack, and increased demand by growing communities across the West is reducing water levels in our reservoirs and decreasing our capability to use water for hydropower generation. Decreases in the use of fossil fuels for vehicles and equipment is requiring greater reliance on solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Increased demand for data processing and wireless communications across all industries means even greater reliance on electrical grid reliability. All of this requires electricity and grid reliability. As climate change persists the future is expected to have more extreme weather, which means increased energy for HVAC impacting peak energy use in these times.

    This trend of extreme temperatures and persistent drought in the West also means longer, more destructive fire seasons over greater expanses of land. Power utilities have shut portions of their electrical grids down for strategic fire prevention, forcing power blackouts across significantly populated areas.

    When these events occur, reliable communications are a life-saving necessity. Power Systems West provides support to emergency first responders by servicing backup power sources to remote cellular telecommunications towers and other critical municipality infrastructures.

    PSW research is forecasting that these factors straining the electrical grid are only going to get worse throughout the West over the coming years which is going to put additional strain on the reliability of the grid. It tells us that back-up power, renewable energy and energy storage are key to the future. Several factors are making this crisis most significant right now in California, one of which is the population being near 40 million. Secondly, the main water supply is drying up and the drought continues to persist. As the crisis worsens, California is going to turn to nearby Western states where power is available from the grid and water resources are available.

    As a Kohler Power Generator Distributor and Service Provider, Power Systems West is required to understand all these factors and adapt to them so we can continue to provide our customers in the West with backup power solutions that meet their needs regardless of environmental challenges.

     

    The Good News

    There is still time for communities to prepare for these challenges. While the drought is real and increases risk for another serious fire season, Washington and Oregon still have strong hydropower which could offset the chances of rolling blackouts. At least in the immediate future the data supports this theory. In May of this year, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) released a report titled the 2022 Summer Reliability Assessment. Page 33 of this document features an assessment of WECC-NWPP-US which includes Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and parts of California, Nebraska, Nevada and South Dakota.

     

    Highlights of the NERC 2022 Summer Reliability Assessment for WECC-NWPP-US.
    • Potential drought conditions remain a concern.
    • Reserve margins are up across the board and adequate.
    • Based on a WECC probabilistic assessment, the WECC-NWPP-US assessment area had negligible load probability (LOLH) and energy utilization (EUE) data.
    • On the peak risk hour at 7:00 p.m., local time and under a summer peak defined as a 1-in-10 probability, including firm transfers, the WECC-NWPP-US area is not expected to have sufficient resource availability to meet demand and cover reserves under any of the scenarios on their own, including typical forced outages. WECC-NWPP-US will need to locate additional external assistance for power importing.
    Risk Scenario Summary

    Expected resources meet operating reserve requirements under normal peak-demand scenarios. Above-normal summer peak load and outage conditions could result in the need to employ operating power mitigations (demand response and transfers) and energy and environmental analyses (EEA). Load shedding may be needed under extreme peak demand and outage scenarios will need to be analyzed.

    For additional information on this topic or to learn more about how to protect your critical infrastructure reach out to us.

     

     

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      Power Systems West Salutes Our Volunteers

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      Category:

      Date: Wednesday, April 27th, 2022

      Power Systems West Salutes Our Volunteers

      April is National Volunteer Month. For us at Power Systems West, every month is volunteer month. While we appreciate the awareness that comes with National Volunteer Month, we understand the feeling of personal satisfaction when we are given opportunities to help others any time of the year.

      Fulfillment is one of our company’s core values along with Integrity, Safety, Quality, Equity and Profitability. “Fulfillment boils down to employee empowerment,” says Brad Lyons, PSW President. “Our intention is to support everyone at Power Systems West who chooses to contribute their energies toward programs, organizations, and causes that bring them fulfillment through their own volunteerism.” Here are few of their stories.

      Andy McMillin, Parts Customer Service, Fife

      Andy and his wife made sandwiches for a church food bank. Due to the pandemic, elderly volunteers were unable to make them due to health concerns. They obtained food preparation certifications and with other volunteers made up to 150 sandwiches a week. Andy says, “It was a fun Friday night family event.”

      Karla Herman, Service Coordinator Supervisor, Boise

      “I volunteer at Interfaith Sanctuary, a homeless shelter in Boise, ID once a week on Friday mornings.

      Due to the pandemic, I was feeling low and deflated. I recognized that and approached my manager James Joyce about working four ten-hour days and having Friday to do something that would feed my soul a bit. He supported me 100%. My job has consisted of sorting and organizing donated items such as coats, clothes, toiletries, children’s books and volunteering at the weekly art night the shelter hosts for kids and parents. This opportunity has opened my eyes and heart for those in need.”

      Kelly Grant, Senior Director of Technology, Portland

      “I volunteer because I was raised with a strong sense of community and giving back. I spent my summers on the family farm in the small coastal town of Yachats, Oregon. Most of the community services in Yachats rely on volunteers, such as city council, elections board, fire board, Lions Club and library. Without volunteers these services might not be available. I have always enjoyed volunteering and helping others and plan to continue throughout the rest of my life. I believe we all need to pay it forward through contributions of time, money and resources. Giving creates a sense of belonging and improving the communities we live and work in.”

      Tracy Thompson, Inside Sales, Portland

      Tracy has been a long-standing volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She also volunteers at her church. “One of the best things you can give someone is your time and sometimes just a small act of kindness can mean so much to someone.”

      Jennifer Norman, Service Coordinator, Portland

      Jenn volunteers at many places around the community, she volunteers at the ShareHouse, Clark County Food Bank, and a local retirement center helping with activities for dementia patients. “I feel that we are put on earth to help those that might not have been given the same opportunities as the rest of us. Helping others succeed, helps all of us.”

      Other community organizations Power Systems West contributes time and resources to include: Make-A-Wish, Operation Homefront, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Dornbecher Children’s Hospital, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and Oregon Food Bank.

      Laci Galvan, Parts Lead, Portland

      Laci volunteers at Basic Rights Oregon, she quotes her favorite south african activist and artist Zanele Muholi “If I wait for someone else to validate my existence, it will mean that I’m shortchanging myself.” I deeply resonate with this statement because so often, members of the LGBTQ+ group are underrepresented and waiting for basic human rights at the expense of others decisions, so fighting for basic human rights is imperative in order to be an advocate for myself and my beliefs.

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      A Tribute To Norris Brown, Founder of Idaho State University’s Diesel Electric Program

      A Tribute To Norris Brown, Founder of Idaho State University’s Diesel Electric Program

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      Date: Thursday, April 21st, 2022

      A Tribute To Norris Brown, Founder of Idaho State University’s Diesel Electric Program

      Teachers have all played important roles in our personal and professional development. Of all those teachers who contributed to your life, chances you can count on one hand the ones who really moved the needle and gave you skills and life lessons that you remember to this day.

      Several Power Systems West technicians and service personnel will respond in unison with one teacher’s name, Norris Charles Brown who passed away April 9, 2022 at the age of 87.

      Power System West’s team attended services to pay tributes to Norris, his family and the Idaho State University Diesel Electric Program. Left to Right: Lead Service Manager – Rick Ridgway, General Manager of Service – Eric Bender, Utah Service Manager – Kelly Jorgensen

      Norris began teaching auto and diesel mechanics at Idaho State University’s (ISU) Vocational Technical School in 1972. Soon afterward, he started a Diesel Electric program, teaching students how to work on diesel-powered electric motors, control systems, and generators. Soon, leading power generation companies were coming around eager to hire his graduates. Our Power Systems West teams include several students of Norris Brown who still speak very highly of him.

      Lead Service Manager Rick Ridgway

      “I attended the ISU diesel program including the diesel electric portion with Norris. He had the unique ability to teach to all levels of understanding and he could turn the light switch on in young minds. Norris was truly a great man and teacher who helped propel my career as well as many others in the generator industry.”

      Eric Bender, General Manager-Parts and Service

      “I attended ISU from 1987 to 1989. Norris was one of my instructors. His diplomatic approach to life really sticks out. He was balanced. He made a strong impression on a lot of people.”

      Dick Kleint, PSW Boise Field Technician

      I attended ISU from 1985 to 1987. By the time I finished Norris’s Diesel Electric course I could not imagine doing anything else. Norris loved engines, generators, and the electric power business. He had the ability to transfer that passion and practical knowledge to his students. Norris believed in his students and was able to instill a unique confidence that never fades, and in fact grows stronger. Norris changed lives!”

      Kelly Jorgensen, Salt Lake City Service Manager

      “Norris was a great instructor and person. Long after the class was over, if you were to call Norris and ask for help with an issue, he was always willing to help. I think the biggest thing Norris taught me was not to overlook the basics and take it step by step with one simple word KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). I have told my kids this over the years. First they laugh about it, but then realize it works for them as well.”

      From all of us at Power Systems West, thank you Norris Charles Brown for your dedication to Idaho State University Vocational School, and for the knowledge and passion you shared with all your students that resonates throughout the industry. You made a difference in many lives, you will be missed.

      Power Systems West Sponsors Boise Legend’s Racer

      Power Systems West Sponsors Boise Legend’s Racer

      Category:

      Date: Wednesday, April 6th, 2022

      Power Systems West Sponsors Boise Legend’s Racer

      Power Systems West likes to back a winner. Even if that winner happens to be a rookie. Leon Tridle III is about to begin his rookie season racing his Legends Car in the Sprintcar Season Opener beginning April 16, 2022 at Meridian Speedway near Boise, Idaho. The U.S. Legends Cars International (USLCI) racing season will include 10 races at Meridian and three races in Twin Falls, Idaho. Power Systems West with Kohler will be along for the ride as official sponsors of Leon’s car. Even though this is Leon’s rookie season, racing is in his blood. After mastering his bicycle at the age of three, Leon moved on to racing 50cc dirt bikes, then dune buggies and 4-wheelers. Leon is also the grandson of Scott Luhdorff, a legendary World of Outlaws Champion sprint car driver who raced out of San Jose, California. What does granddad think of Leon carrying the torch for the family’s next racing chapter? “It’s going to be a good time for the whole family. He needs to remember to have fun, winning is good too.”

      Leon’s mother Rachelle says, “I’m not nervous. I think Leon’s racing will be nostalgic for me. It will bring back memories of my youth watching my dad, race around the track. We just want Leon to have fun.” Rachelle is a Service Coordinator for the service department in Power Systems West’s Boise office where she manages major commercial backup generator accounts.

      Leon’s Legends Car is 5/8 scale, fiberglass version of the original NASCAR modified series and has the look of a classic Ford Roadster. Leon’s car also has a history of successful racing. It was purchased from Legend’s racer Tom Matheson who lives in Pasco, Washington. Tom raced it often at Hermiston, Oregon and at Meridian Speedway where Leon will race it on April 16. Thanks to Tom, Leon’s car already has a bit of reputation for winning among the drivers who race there.

      “We’re excited about sponsoring Leon and his Legends car,” says Brad Lyons, Power Systems West President. “We believe in supporting our employees, their families and the communities we serve in. I am honored we can be a small part of Leon’s dream to be the next generation of his family’s rich racing legacy. PSW employees will be cheering for him all across the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest!”

      Kubota Tier 4 Engines in Prime Power Ranch Applications

      Kubota Tier 4 Engines in Prime Power Ranch Applications

      Category:

      Date: Monday, March 28th, 2022

      Kubota Tier 4 Engines in Prime Power Ranch Applications

      How does one of the Western states’ largest commercial generator distributors help ranchers manage thousands of head of cattle over thousands of acres of rangeland? Power Systems West has been uplifting Kubota Engines into generators for Idaho ranchers for years providing them with a wide range of backup power solutions in the most remote and hostile high desert locations the West can dish out.

      In addition to being an authorized Kohler generator distributor and service provider across seven Western states, Power Systems West sells Kubota G-Series engines for prime power usage. How does this help ranchers? Power Systems West’s technicians can upfit these Kubota Tier 4 engines into highly adaptable, mobile generator power sources for ranchers with a lot of cattle and a lot of ground to cover. Here are some of the benefits of these modified engine-generators.

      Custom G Series GenSet ranging in sizes from 10 kW – 50 kW

      Mobility – Kubota G-Series engines can be mounted on skids and transported anywhere on the range by a tractor or a pickup. They can also be loaded on a flatbed, or even dropped in by helicopter.

      Variable Power – Power Systems West has upfitted rancher’s Kubota engines with custom transformers to step down the voltage needed for a specific job. 480-volt, three-phase power can power a pump pulling water from a well to fill troughs or a pond.

      Because of Power Systems West’s modifications, that same Kubota engine can also be stepped down to 240-volt, single phase to power tools like a welder or other tools needed to repair a gate, a pen, or a feeder.
      We’re not done yet. That Kubota engine can also be set to 120-volt AC current to temporarily power a bunkhouse in the middle of nowhere so a team of ranch hands can enjoy a little warm grub and some light at night.

      Remote Operation – Power Systems West can modify these Kubota engine-generators for remote operation through timers, radio communication and even web access. If a rancher doesn’t want that pump that’s 15 miles away running all night long they can either set the timer when they are onsite or turn the system off through remote access.

      Kubota engines began as agricultural engines as far back as 1922 coinciding with a severe drought in Japan. Kubota has been a leader in agricultural and industrial engines ever since.

      To find out more about Power Systems West’s engine modifications, contact us. Power Systems West services seven Western states from five service centers in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Check us out ww.powersystemswest.com.

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      Klickitat County Services Building Gets Parallel Kohler Generators Linked By New Kohler APM603 Controller

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      Date: Friday, February 4th, 2022

      Klickitat County Services Building Gets Parallel Kohler Generators Linked By New Kohler APM603 Controller

      Power Systems West (PSW) Territory Manager Ben Beck believes in solutions. Especially when it means finding them for his customers. So, when Ben put a bid together for a Kohler generator package for the new Klickitat County Services Building in Goldendale, Washington, he worked with PSW Application Engineer Vincent Biggart to develop solutions that met design specifications and saved money for this cost-conscious public entity.

      Hage Electric from The Dalles, Oregon was assigned as the electrical subcontractor for the project. Once PSW was awarded the work, Ben and Vincent began collaborating with Hage Electric Project Coordinator Doug Hammer.

      “There were several questions the project team had regarding power output, system design, generator anchoring, and delivery logistics,” according to Hammer. “Ben and Vincent were very responsive providing solutions to the team that allowed us to make the best decisions from system design to installation and start up,” says Doug.

      The new Service Center is bringing several critical County agencies together under one roof including planning, juvenile services, senior services and public health. Because it is serving as the primary community response center for the county, designing the most reliable backup power system was essential.

      Klickitat County chose two Kohler 300REZXB, 60 Hz natural gas generators. Since this facility is serving as the emergency response center for the county, natural gas was selected over liquid propane or diesel because of the unlimited fuel supply from a gas line rather than fuel tanks. The Kohler 300REZXB’s were fitted with custom-sized Kohler enclosures designed for optimal sound abatement, seismic and wind load.

      Another solution Ben and Vincent provided to the Klickitat project was installing a new Kohler APM603 Controller, an advanced power management controller designed for paralleling multiple generator sets. The APM603 replaced the need for parallel switchgear in the Service Building electrical room saving the county facility space and money. The APM603 will act as a central command center communicating intuitive control, system monitoring and diagnostics and load management with both generators concurrently.

      “We were able to provide Klickitat County with a highly reliable, state-of-the-art backup power generator system for their mission critical operations while saving them tens of thousands of dollars in the process, says Ben Beck. “Those are the kinds of solutions Power Systems West likes to provide.”

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      Date: Wednesday, January 26th, 2022

      Share House Holiday Event

       

      The holidays are the time of year for reflection and giving. What better way to give than to lend your time to those who need it most.

      A short history…

      Power Systems West (PSW) has a history of donating to local charity events and has a strong focus on community service, community involvement and giving back. The company has a Care Fund that focuses not only on employees dealing with hardships but on charitable organizations that our employees are actively involved in or connected to. In 2021, the company gave more than $400,000 in donations to employees and charitable organizations.

      Our company believes that having a balanced life and a safe, strong community are important to our employees collective well-being. That is why we believe that experiences such as community involvement with our fellow co-workers, builds strong bonds and a sense of pride through advocacy. We also want to be seen as a business that is more than just an employer, but a company that cares about its community.

      Our pick for 2021…

      For our involvement this holiday season, PSW decided to donate and volunteer at the Share House located in Vancouver, WA.

      Share House was created in 1979 with a focus on providing food for the hungry and shelter for the homeless. Over the years, Share House has gone from providing a free meal and shelter for single men to a spectrum of services such as subsidized housing, meal programs for children, family shelters, matched savings programs, emergency shelter services, and numerous drives throughout the year.

      Throughout the month of December, PSW employees volunteered at the Share House warehouse which is located at the Share Fromhold Service Center. Time was spent sorting toiletries, gathering food items for backpack events, and going ‘shopping’ in the warehouse for families recently housed.

      PSW also made a monetary donation of $3,000 to the women’s shelters of Share House and purchased $2,000 of holiday gifts, household items and food for those in need. Although this was PSW’s first experience with Share House, it will not be our last. Share House definitely makes a positive difference in the community and Power Systems West would love be a part of such a compassionate organization.

      Volunteer testimonials…

      Inside Sales employee, Tracy Thompson, loved volunteering this holiday season and stated that Share House is “very organized and their staff and regular volunteers were very friendly and made me want to volunteer more this year!”

      Service Supervisor, Tara Rattray, was surprised to learn that “Share was more than a donation facility to help those in need. I didn’t know they assisted in finding housing.”

      President, Brad Lyons, said that he enjoyed the entire experience and that “having a hand in the lives of the less fortunate was huge. Organizing all the jackets, warm socks, hand warmers and clean new shoes made me think about the families that would be benefiting from this charity. I went home with an appreciation for my team and for my warm home and meal.”

      Jesse, Henry and Lewis gathering items for families in need.

      Power Systems West President, Brad Lyons, dropping off donations to the Share House in Vancouver, WA

      Tracy and Nick helping sort food packs.

      Kohler Dealers Added in Alaska: High Standard Power Systems and Alaska Prime Power

      Kohler Dealers Added in Alaska: High Standard Power Systems and Alaska Prime Power

      Category:

      Date: Monday, December 13th, 2021

      Kohler Dealers Added in Alaska: High Standard Power Systems and Alaska Prime Power

       

      Recently, Power Systems West was approached about expanding our Kohler Power Distribution agreement to include coverage in Alaska. Kohler Industrial Generators are a reliable product used to back-up critical infrastructure. With that being said, the application design, installation and on-going maintenance is key to ensuring this product works as expected when needed.

      Power Systems West believes the application engineering and installation support are key to the longevity of the product and ensuring it meets the customer’s needs. We also know that aftermarket technical support, parts and service is a 24/7 operation for Kohler Power.

      We carefully considered whether to add Alaska into our western territory knowing that it would be challenging to offer the same level of support that we do in the rest of our Kohler territory. Our lower 48 Kohler territory includes: Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Oregon. Ultimately, the decision was made that if we could find good partners to help support us in Alaska we would add this territory.

      Our leadership was passionate that we would need native partners local to Alaska that knew the terrain, the logistical obstacles and had a good understanding of the communities needs. Power Systems West believes in being a trusted partner to our customers and without a local presence we felt we would struggle to meet the needs of the territory.

      Our leadership team of: Brad Lyons – President; Eric Bender – General Manager of Parts & Service and Kevin Lee – General Manager of Generator Sales, researched carefully who would be the best partners in Alaska to add as Dealers.

      After careful consideration Power Systems West has chosen High Standard Power Systems and Alaska Prime Power to be in place as Kohler Industrial Generator and Service Dealers. Both Dealers have strong understanding of the market and a wealth of service experience on their respective teams.

      Clint Stark, of Alaska Prime Power has been servicing generators for over 30 years. His team has extensive service capabilities. Alaska Prime Power has been involved in countless FAA start-ups around Alaska for many years and they are highly qualified to perform generator service, product installation start-ups and consult on installation design.

      High Standard Power Systems is a newly formed industrial generator provider in Anchorage. The company while new, has a vast amount of industry experience on their team. This team has been providing power generation system solutions and service to Alaska over the last two decades. Nick Graves, Sales Manager for High Standard Power Systems has 20 years of industry experience. Nick worked previously for Pacific Power Group, NC Power Systems and Cummins Northwest. He started his career as a technician in the power generation industry and has spent his entire career servicing the Alaska power generation market.

      Recently, PSW leadership was able to visit in person with their newly selected Dealers to begin to establish trust and support to this well-equipped team. Our leadership traveled to Anchorage and visited both High Standard Power Systems and Alaska Prime Power. Needless to say we were impressed with their knowledge and commitment to this growing market. Nick Graves was gracious enough to take our team halibut fishing off the coast of Whittier, Alaska in the Prince William Sound. It was an exciting experience and gave us a full day on the water to discuss business, territory, critical needs and technical support. We are excited to enter into the Distribution of Alaska with these Dealers selections.

      Power Systems West expands Kohler Industrial Generator Territory to include Alaska

      Power Systems West expands Kohler Industrial Generator Territory to include Alaska

      Category:

      Date: December 9, 2021

      Power Systems West (PSW), a leading distributor and service provider of backup power solutions across seven Western states is now the only authorized distributor and service provider for Kohler Industrial Generators throughout the state of Alaska.

      Reliable service for backup power systems requires immediate response, certified technicians who know what they’re doing, and quick access to replacement parts when needed. Power Systems West has a proven track record of providing this dependable around the clock service to its customers since 1955. “We’re proud to fully support Kohler Power Systems now in the state of Alaska,” says Brad Lyons, Power Systems West President. “Our experienced team is used to navigating difficult terrain and harsh weather, to ensure uninterrupted operation of our customer’s generators. We believe trust is earned by planning and delivering on our promises. We are excited that Kohler has chosen us to support this critical market.”

      PSW has specialized experience maintaining mission critical backup systems including those at remote cell towers and airports. Because of Alaska’s vastness, its numerous airports and cell towers play a key role in the transportation and communication between communities. Power Systems West will be in place to support the network of mission critical generators in Alaska.

      Power Systems West has established parts and service networks across seven states ensuring plenty of inventory of new generators and parts. The vast experience of people within PSW’s team will ensure that the product has available technical support 24/7.

      “We’re pleased that Power Systems West is expanding its territory into the state of Alaska.” said Joe Lange, senior channel manager for Kohler Power Systems. “Customers throughout Alaska will have a strong point of access for their complete power systems needs and will benefit from the significant sales and service resources available with this experienced authorized Kohler distributor. Power Systems West is a long-standing distributor and is the right partner to drive sales and service excellence in Alaska.”

      To learn more about Power Systems West and their plans to support this territory. Visit the News Page or contact them:

      Power Systems West
      6110 N Cutter Circle
      Portland, OR 97217
      (800) 452-1511

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