Puget Sound Storm
Power Systems West Service Team takes on Puget Sound Storm
Date: Monday, November 15th, 2021
Puget Sound Storm
Puget Sound’s first storm of the season was a doozy, moving in Friday afternoon on September 17, 2021 with strong winds and record-breaking rainfall. As the storm moved through the region, the power outages started occurring.
After midnight, emergency service calls started coming into James Joyce, service manager for Power Systems West’s main call center in Boise. The calls were immediately routed to Mark Wright, Power Systems West Service Manager in the company’s Fife location south of Seattle. His service area was ground zero for the storm.
One of the first calls was from a major retailer. Their generator was operational, but the transfer switch wasn’t functioning properly. Since much of their inventory is perishable, a store can lose up to $100,000 for each hour the power is out. Mark immediately sent a technician to prevent any loss of goods and keep the store running.
AT&T and Verizon both placed service calls to Power Systems West through the night. Neither service provider was sure how long the power was going to be out, so they were taking proactive steps to make sure their broadband services remained operational.
AT&T’s top priority was its FirstNet broadband network, dedicated to prioritizing first responder communications between urban and rural areas. Their service functioning was a matter of public safety. AT&T needed redundant power for their battery back-up systems. Power Systems West technicians were sent out to deploy portable generators at AT&T cell towers to make sure the FirstNet network remained fully operational throughout the storm.
Verizon cell towers with Kohler generators onsite for backup power were all operating, but they would need to be refueled if the power remained out for a long period of time. Power Systems technicians were sent to these sites to make sure the generators had enough fuel to keep running. Forty-eight Verizon generators ran throughout the storm without a single failure.
In all, six Power Systems West technicians were dispatched to 28 service calls over a 12-hour period. Each call was successfully filled. Robert Colby, a service technician from the Portland office was even dispatched north to deliver a portable generator to an AT&T cell site.
“We are always preparing for worst case scenarios,” says Brad Lyons, President of Power Systems West. “It’s satisfying to see how our team responded during this storm. In situations like these when we are called upon to deliver on our promise of reliable backup power, it’s great to see us do just that.”
Backup power solutions are reliable if they’re maintained properly. When winter storms hit, regular maintenance and preventative maintenance agreements with a trusted partner like Power Systems West ensure that your backup power works for you when you need it most.
Power Systems West guarantees 24/7 emergency service no matter the conditions and no matter the location. Our promise is that your will receive a response to your service call within 15 minutes to diagnose your system and a trained, certified technician will be dispatched immediately.
No more third-party enclosures for Kohler KD’s
No more third-party enclosures for Kohler KD’s
Date: Tuesday, October 5th, 2021
No more third-party enclosures for Kohler KD’s
Diesel Progress Magazine, the industry’s prominent media source recently posted a feature article on Kohler’s new eFrame custom enclosures for its KD Series generators. These walk-in enclosures are designed for Kohler generators used in data centers and other mission-critical applications where technicians need greater gen-set access. Kohler’s custom modular eFrame enclosures for 2 MW generators up to 4 MW generators allow for ease of installation and lower shipping costs as well as many other advantage detailed in the article. eFrame enclosures eliminate the need for third-party vendors and give Kohler the capability to provide completely integrated systems to customers.
Interested in learning more? Read our blog about Five Reasons to use a Kohler Factory Engineered and Tested Enclosure or visit Kohler.com.
https://www.dieselprogress.com/news/kohler-power-frames-a-solution-for-data-centers/8014365.article
Five Reasons to use a Kohler Factory Engineered and Tested Enclosure
Five Reasons to Use a Kohler Factory Engineered and Tested Enclosure
Date: Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021
There’s a well-known saying heard often in the design and engineering world. Form follows function. So why would someone choose an aftermarket generator enclosure over one designed specifically for that make and model of generator? Here are five reasons why you should use a Kohler enclosure that was formed to function optimally with your Kohler generator.
Sound Testing Aligned to Engine Specifications
Meeting project sound level requirements is a critical part of enclosure design. Sound level is determined by local codes and often measured at the property line. The challenge with an aftermarket enclosure is addressing the unknowns. An engine’s raw sound data is typically known, but the enclosure sound attenuation is estimated based on the known properties of the attenuating materials separate of the engine’s sound data.
A Kohler factory enclosure is engineered and tested to align with the engine’s specifications. The sound level is measured and there are no safety factors required. There is also no additional cost for sound attenuation testing or increased overall dimensions.
Custom Sizing
Aftermarket enclosures are often built using a standard design. Generator size, airflow, and project sound requirements may require design tweaking to accommodate the engine specifications.
Factory enclosures are custom designed to the specific generator which gives greater attention to louver sizing, customized exhaust layout, and service clearances. The goal is to minimize overall enclosure dimensions.
Nathan Brahm, a senior application engineer with Power Systems West shares a common problem found in the field. “One of the biggest challenges we run into is fitting a generator into the space allocated at the jobsite. Reducing the size often allows the generator to fit in the allocated space without requiring the architect to redesign the generator yard.”
Ease of Installation Ensuring Scheduling Commitments
Challenges with aftermarket enclosures include the equipment being delivered onsite without clear assembly directions or trained personnel to supervise or arriving with external damage. Damaged enclosures are often rejected at the jobsite and returned to the manufacturer for repair which can significantly impact scheduling.
Kohler factory enclosures are built on a modular design that allows the equipment to be received and installed at the site ensuring the project stays on schedule.
Kohler factory enclosures are supported by installation documentation, factory trained technicians, authorized factory parts, and a Kohler warranty.
Transportation Cost Savings
Transportation adds significant costs and unknowns to project expenses and is often a moving target. Many large generators are over height, width and weight. Some require special routes and escorts. This all adds to the project cost and complexity. Breaking the package down for transportation and ease of reassembly onsite is key.
Seismic and Wind Rating
Third party enclosures require project specific calculations to verify structural integrity for seismic and wind loading. Kohler enclosures are factory tested and certified for seismic and wind ratings that meet the requirements of your Kohler generator. Seismic events and storms are the most likely times when you are going to rely on your backup power system to perform. Make sure that you have your Kohler generator protected with a Kohler enclosure
To learn more about Kohler enclosures check out this video on Kohler’s new eFrame systems and read our blog about No more third-party enclosures for Kohler KD’s.
Power Systems West Supports Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program
Power Systems West Supports Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program
Date: Monday, July 19th, 2021
Power Systems West Supports Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program
As president of Power Systems West, Brad Lyons is well aware of his company’s mission: provide backup power solutions across seven Western states. This includes supporting mission critical operations like hospitals, airports, data centers, and cell towers. All necessary pieces of America’s emergency power and communications infrastructure.
For instance, Power Systems West services remote cell towers for AT&T’s FirstNET, a high-speed, wireless broadband network that prioritizes first responder communications during emergencies.
Power Systems West also distributes and services residential generators used for primary homes, vacation homes, resorts and cabins. So, when Brad heard about a special residential generator project from associate and friend, Christopher Styles, President and CEO of Morley-Murphy Company and Total Energy Systems, LLC, he wanted Power Systems West to be a part of it.
Chris Styles’ company had worked with an organization called the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to taking care of first responders and military heroes who risk life and limb in the line of duty. Tunnel to Towers was in the process of building and delivering 450 homes mortgage-free to injured veterans and first responders through their Smart Home Program by the end of 2021. Chris had arranged to have a Kohler generator provided for a Tunnel To Towers Smart Home. “When Tunnel to Towers reached out with a project out West, I reached out to Brad Lyons with the details and the program,” says Styles.
Brad had this to say, “I was happy to learn how other Kohler Power Distributors had supported the Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program from Chris. I was also proud to be able to join our fellow distribution partners in support of a veteran who had suffered a life-changing injury while on duty. Many of our employees are veterans or family members of veterans and we greatly appreciate their service to our country.” Lyons went on to say, “in addition, the weather conditions in a place like Montana can be extreme, and back-up power is essential when you are relying on electricity to power special accommodations such as automated doors and lifts and cabinets and counters with variable height adjustment in addition to HVAC, water heater and lighting.” stated Lyons.
Brad contacted Frank Maestrone, Construction Purchasing & Service Coordinator for Tunnel to Towers, and offered Power Systems West’s support.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation was building a Smart Home for Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Austin Reese and his family in Whitefish, Montana, part of Power Systems West’s distribution and service area for Kohler generators. CPO Reese served 13 years with the Navy as a Senior Chief Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician which included three deployments to Iraq. He also served as a freefall skydiving instructor. During a routine jump, CPO Reese hit the ground at 65 mph. He was left partially paralyzed and unable to walk.
Each year, Power Systems West sets aside money into an asset account called the Care Fund. The Care Fund is maintained for family emergencies, health issues, hardships or other worthy community causes employees wish to advocate for. In this case our Care Fund was used to purchase a Kohler generator for the Reese home.
Because, Power Systems West is an authorized Kohler distributor, the team was able to expedite the delivery of a Kohler 20RCA 20kw, propane-powered residential generator with an automatic transfer switch.
The Kohler 20RCA generator is designed to turn on immediately when the transfer switch senses that utility power to the home has been lost or incoming voltage is unstable. The Kohler 20RCA has the capability run the home’s electrical systems. In addition to the electrical systems critical to CPO Reese’s special needs such as lifts and doors, the Kohler 20RCA will provide power for the entire family’s comfort including thermostat, communications, security and other smartphone and iPad home systems. Once power to the Reese home returns or voltage stabilizes, the transfer switch will signal the Kohler generator to turn off.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation Smart Home Program dedicated the Reese Family home on July 1, 2021 by turning the keys over to Austin, his wife, and their children. “I have a budget for building these homes for veterans, but when partners like Power Systems West donate time and materials, I am able to take that money and put it into the next home for a disabled veteran.” says, John Ponte, Senior Director, Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Brad Lyons is glad that Power Systems West could help. “When we can make a difference for someone like Austin and his family who have made a tremendous sacrifice for our country, there’s no better feeling.”
On September 11, 2001, New York firefighter Stephen Siller laid down his life to save others. For 20 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honored Stephen’s heroic legacy by taking care of the first responders and military heroes who continue to risk life and limb in the line of duty.
Since 1955, Power Systems West has grown their network of parts and service centers, certified technicians, and more than 200 dealers to provide you with the most efficient and cost-effective backup power for your home or business.
Power Systems West is an authorized Kohler distributor, and that means they offer total system integration. From diesel and gaseous generators to transfer switches, switchgear, controls and all related accessories, they ensure every part of your power system is engineered to work together. Whether you own a small business, have rental needs or are in charge of backup power for a large facility, such as a hospital, data center or water treatment plant, KOHLER generators has you covered. Even after your KOHLER Power system is installed, look to Power Systems West for all your service, parts and maintenance needs.
Buying a Home Backup Generator is a Bit Like Buying Wiper Blades
Buying a Home Backup Generator is a Bit Like Buying Wiper Blades
Date: July 7, 2021
Title: Buying a Home Backup Generator is a Bit Like Buying Wiper Blades
Have you ever tried to drive through a rainstorm with worn-out wiper blades? As you squinted through the windshield to make out the road, you may have cursed to yourself, “I promised I was going to replace those blades the last time it rained like this.” But you didn’t because the rain stopped, and the problem went away.
The last time the power went out, you thought “I need a home generator.” Maybe you were worried about losing expensive freezer food and burst water pipes, or worse. So, you made a few calls and checked a few websites. No one had any generators in stock because the weather was bad and everyone just like you had already bought them.
The worst time to buy a home generator is when the bad weather has hit. Demand is high and installation time is needed. Ask any backup power technician when they’re busiest and they’ll tell you during winter or storm season. If you considered purchasing a residential home generator when you really could have used it, consider purchasing that generator now.
Power Systems West offers backup power solutions with automatic transfer switches and remote monitoring so when your power goes down, your back-up power turns on. Power is restored instantly to all your critical home appliances: water heater, HVAC, refrigerator, lights and cell phone chargers. Across seven Western states PSW has five parts and service centers and a network of more than 200 dealers. We are an authorized distributor for KOHLER, the trusted name for reliability and quality in back-up power generation. Kohler’s Home Generator line-up can be found by visiting www.kohlerpower.com or on by visiting our website Product Finder. Kohler Home Generators include LPG, Natural Gas and Diesel options along with Single Phase or Three Phase. Depending on your power needs generator sizes range from: 6 kW, 10 kW, 12 kW, 14 kW, 20 kW, 24 kW, 30 kW, 38 kW, 40 kW, 60 kW, 80 kW, 100 kW, 125 kW and 150 kW.
Don’t wait for that next rainstorm to remind you that you still haven’t replaced your wiper blades. And, don’t wait for the power to go out again to remind yourself that you need a reliable backup power with a KOHLER home generator.
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Power Systems West Powers West Mercer Elementary for Spring Break
Power Systems West Powers West Mercer Elementary for Spring Break
Date: Wednesday, June 16th, 2021
West Mercer Elementary School on Lake Washington outside of Seattle had a problem. Their current generator, an old model from the 90’s needed repair and the price tag was not going to be a small number.
Wayne Sumar, a Power Systems Sales Rep from the company’s Fife office paid a visit to the school to assess the situation. Wayne and the school’s facility manager agreed that a new generator was needed for the school to have reliable backup power. Also, the school needed it installed during Spring Break, a one-week window to get the job done. “We went over their needs and I was able to obtain enough information to start the process of supplying them with a turnkey solution,” says Wayne.
The school district had a Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Account which meant Wayne could leverage Sourcewell’s buying power and secure a new Kohler generator directly from Power Systems West. First turnkey accomplished.
Next, Wayne needed to secure an electrical contractor. He reached out to Milne Electric a contractor Power Systems West had worked with in the past. Milne visited the site and worked with Wayne on a game plan to meet the customer’s goal of swapping out generators and making the new backup system fully operational within a week. Now Wayne had the generator and the electrical installer. Another turnkey taken care of.
Wayne then went to work on guaranteeing the generator delivery date, coordinating with his Power Systems West service team for powering up and commissioning, and getting the crane reserved to lift the old generator and place the new Kohler in.
Spring Break arrived and the team Wayne put together went to work. The plan was executed to a T. By the end of the week, the old generator was removed, and the new Kohler generator was lifted in place, wired to the power grid, started up, and commissioned. The kids returned from vacation and West Mercer Elementary School returned to reliable backup power. Turnkey service mission accomplished.
Kohler Power Systems Virtual Product Reveal Event
Kohler Power Systems Virtual Product Reveal Event
Date: Thursday, June 24th, 2021
To build on the momentum of last year’s regional 100 year anniversary virtual celebrations, on Thursday, June 24th Kohler will be hosting two hour-long virtual product reveal events!
Session 1: 11:00 AM CST
Session 2: 2:00 PM CST
Click here to register for the event
A social hashtag: #KohlerPowerReveal has been created to be used leading up to and during the event.
Attendees will also be entered into a drawing for a Ryder Cup gift basket and will get more entries when posting on social with the hashtag.
Power Systems West Named Kubota Generator Dealer
Power Systems West Named Kubota Generator Dealer
Date: April 30, 2021
Power Systems West Named Kubota Generator Dealer
April 30, 2021 – Power Systems West has signed on with industrial engine and generator distributor Anderson Industrial Engines (AIE) to be an authorized dealer for Kubota engine and generators.
AIE recently expanded their Kubota engine distribution territory in the West. Power Systems West was already providing service support to AIE in the Rocky Mountain region, so it was logical to expand their longstanding successful relationship through Power Systems West’s entire service area.
Power Systems West regional resources include industrial generator sales, service and parts centers in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington plus additional around-the-clock customer service in Montana and Wyoming.
“We’re excited to add the Kubota product line back into to our offerings in Oregon and Washington,” says Brad Lyons, Power Systems West President. “We have been servicing this product for many years in the Rocky Mountain Region and have strong expertise throughout our company. We value AIE’s partnership and appreciate this opportunity to support AIE and Kubota throughout our territory.”
Matt Turner, AIE Director of Marketing and Dealer Development agrees. “AIE and Power Systems West have been building a powerful partnership over many years, finding success and new opportunities based on world-class customer service. In 2021 we are excited to expand that to customers in the Pacific Northwest, offering exciting new Kubota products, parts, and service support.”
Power Systems West has more than 35 certified field technicians in seven states, and more than 200 dealers to provide you with the most efficient and cost-effective backup power for any home or business.
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Power Systems West Product Spotlight: Kubota GL Series Generators
Power Systems West Product Spotlight: Kubota GL Series Generators
Date: April 30, 2021
Title: Power Systems West Product Spotlight: Kubota GL Series Generators
Kubota’s GL Series diesel generators offer power and reliability you can count on.
Kubota’s GL Series diesel generators offer power and reliability you can count on.
There are three Kubota GL models: the GL 7000 (7 kVa), the GL 11000 (11 kVa), and the GL 14000 (14 kVa) with optional:
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Block Heater
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Remote Key Start
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Auto Start
All three models have direct coupled, EPA compliant Tier 4 certified engines and operate at 60Hz.
In addition to portable, long-lasting power Kubota GL generators are known for their accessible, flexible design. Each model can be secured and transported with a single one-point lifting eye.
For even more convenience and portability, the GL 7000 and GL 11000 models are offered in Lowboy II versions which feature a vertical engine layout for low profile and a single access panel for easy operation and service. The GL 14000 LowboyPro offers the same portability with greater power.
Power Systems West is an authorized Kubota generator sales and service dealer through Anderson Industrial Engines (AEI). Our service region includes five parts and service centers in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington, with additional maintenance and emergency service coverage in Montana and Wyoming.
Power Systems West has more than 35 certified field technicians, and more than 200 dealers to provide you with reliable, around the clock backup power for your home or business.
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New ERP Implementation
New ERP Implementation
Subject: Important Alert Impacting ALL Customers – Effective April 26th
Date: April 16, 2021
Dear Customers and Industry Partners,
Over the last six months, Power Systems West has prepared for a strategic business system changeover and
modernization. This change-over has moved us from our legacy on-premise system which had been in place for
the last 30 years, to a modern cloud-based ERP system. As you can imagine our team has been working hard to
configure, test, and train users in this new system.
We understand that a change like this can be very disruptive and we want to let our customers and key partners
know this is coming and what to expect. This is a once in three decades type of change and we want to apologize
in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. Please know we are working diligently to get through this as
quickly as possible.
Considerations for Customers and Partners:
- Account and Order Questions – All Account Numbers and Order numbers will be changing in
the New System. We will ensure your PO numbers transfer but please take notice that your - Account numbers will change.
- Stock Orders – Please consider below timeline and place all stock orders on or before April 26th.
Common Customer Forms will be modified but our Remit To address will remain the same.
Timeline of what to expect:
- April 26th: Last Day to place Customer Stock Orders. We will begin the transition to Priority ERP.
- April 29th: We will shut down to do a full inventory count. Customer Service will be standing by for emergency orders and our Service Team will still be in place working on existing open orders.
- At 4 pm on April 29th we will complete our inventory counts and we will begin final data transition into the cloud.
- May 3rd: We will be completely live and operating in Priority ERP.
Our goal throughout this process is to maintain communication with our customers and keep a high level of focus on customer service. We have a full plate ahead of us and we know this change will not be easy on our team. We are excited about what this change means for our business and we appreciate your patience as we work through the immediate impact
Sincerely,
