When it comes to hurricanes and other natural disasters, most people’s first priority is survival. However, for many residents and business owners, replenishing supplies and finding sustenance after the storm is a close second.

In the case of severe storms, local businesses and residents often find themselves without power. A lack of access to electricity poses many threats, from an inability to communicate with loved ones to a lack of access to food and water.

H-E-B Is Defying Norms

Texas-based grocery store chain H-E-B is no stranger to strong storms. Operating in a state along the Gulf Coast, it has experienced many major weather events over the years. The usual scenario involves stores shutting down and leaving residents without options for buying food after the wind and rain subside.

Since 2016, H-E-B executives have ensured that their stores remain the exception to this rule. When other stores are inoperable, H-E-B is able to open its doors to the community using a unique solution that’s gaining popularity across the country: microgrids. 

Microgrids are smaller, self-contained networks powered by natural gas to generate electricity. The natural gas comes from underground sources, so it is largely unaffected by hurricane conditions. H-E-B’s microgrids are supplied by Enchanted Rock, a Houston-based company.

How Microgrids Work to Keep Businesses Moving

When the broader grid goes down during the storm, microgrids act as a backup source of power. The energy source starts up right away to ensure minimal downtime and avoid disruptions in service or other issues that can arise when the lights go out at the grocery store.

The site is then isolated from the grid supplied by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the agency responsible for managing grid stability. Throughout the entire process, Enchanted Rock’s team keeps a close watch on each microgrid, ensuring that everything remains in working order.

Backup Power Is a Market Differentiator

While having access to a microgrid can certainly help businesses maintain profits no matter what happens with the ERCOT grid, it’s not just about the money. It’s also about establishing a solid brand reputation that’s built on an exceptional customer experience.

H-E-B was able to open its doors to give customers access to high-quality food during a time when many were tired and worry-worn. This gesture speaks volumes to customers. In fact, many have commented on this very fact, telling news outlets that they now view H-E-B as a business they can rely on in times of uncertainty.

This kind of branding is priceless, and that effect alone may be worth what H-E-B executives invested to give 100 stores the gift of microgrid power. “We’re providing a critical element by allowing them to stay in business and have power, and so we are very proud of that,” said Enchanted Rock founder and CEO Thomas McAndrew.

Taking Storm Preparation to the Next Level

Clearly, microgrids can help keep businesses open during and after storms. The success of this technology in commercial settings has led many to wonder how residents could benefit from having this kind of backup power at home.

It will take some time before Texas laws will allow for that kind of experimentation. However, California is leading the charge when it comes to testing out the idea. If it comes to fruition, it could transform how the country prepares for storms and what happens in the aftermath.

Read the original article by KHOU author Cheryl Mercedes to learn more about microgrid power.