Data centre managers urged to
re-evaluate contingency plans
due to increasing outages
M
any data centres are in danger
of experiencing significant
downtime during a power
failure. The warning comes after it
was revealed that one quarter of UK
energy decision makers do not have a
contingency plan in place. The research
of 200 UK energy decision makers, which
was commissioned by Aggreko, found that
although 82% described power continuity
as a major or significant concern, there
are many who don’t have a plan in place in
case of an outage.
In the midst of power irregularity and
ageing equipment across the UK, data
centres are increasingly at risk of system
downtime. And, while many companies
have a contingency plan in place for such
events, it is not uncommon for them to
become quickly outdated.
As well as regular checks, Aggreko is
urging those responsible to consider how
effective they would be in a time of crisis.
protecting reputations. Unfortunately,
when something happens which causes
downtime, there are a number of suppliers
who will look to inflate their costs, so
ensuring that your contingency plan
includes a fixed rate for replacement
power should be essential.”
Aggreko has highlighted six key
considerations of a contingency plan
that UK industry needs to be aware of.
Detailed in its latest industry report
Planning for failure: How robust is your
contingency plan?, Aggreko has created
a guide to ensure there are no stones left
unturned when it comes to planning for an
emergency outage. Additional benefits, according to the report,
include the possibility of reduced insurance
premiums, as well as immediate activation.
If a thorough site survey is undertaken as
part of the contingency service, suppliers
can immediately activate the plan with the
full knowledge of building infrastructure
and cost approvals.
Rason added: “We have seen a growing
number of headlines about the fragility
of the national grid and many companies
appear ill-prepared for the impact.
Whether it is the recent power outage
experienced across London and the
surrounding areas, or the fluctuating
climate causing coolers to fail, UK
industry cannot afford to sit back and
wait for things to improve. Implementing
a contingency plan has a number of
benefits, in addition to reassurance and
Rason concluded: “Unfortunately,
power outages and equipment failure
is becoming a common occurrence and,
as a result, companies must think
seriously about their current plans.
Running the risk of losing power is
unthinkable and avoidable and we hope
that our report helps to answer some of
the questions companies may have about
contingency plans.”
Aggreko’s report is available to download
by visiting aggreko.com/contingency. ◊
Chris Rason, UK Managing Director of
Aggreko, said: “There are a number of
considerations which UK industry must
check when it comes to implementing a
contingency plan that works. Whether
it’s checking the accessibility of the site
or whether the connection requirements
for cabling or pipework modifications are
compatible with the replacement items,
the contingency plan needs thorough
planning for it to be effective.”
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Issue 12
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