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In the world of power generation, especially in mission-critical settings, manufacturers’ maintenance recommendations are just the starting point. However, in practice, these recommendations often fail to reflect the operational realities that affect generator reliability, especially when site conditions push equipment beyond design assumptions. I’ve experienced those real-world challenges first-hand, and I want to share a few best practices that can keep small issues from becoming major failures.

Backup power is often viewed as a necessary compromise – a reliability layer that runs counter to carbon-reduction goals. But with today’s advances in technology, sourcing, and emissions transparency, that perception is changing. When designed intentionally, backup power can become a net positive for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.

A recently published New York Times article raised some valid concerns about the infrastructure demands tied to rising electricity use. But it misses a key point: not all data centers are grid liabilities. In fact, data centers with behind-the-meter (BTM) generation and a commitment to demand response or interruptible tariffs can actually help reduce stress on the grid and lower energy costs for everyone.

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming everything from healthcare to logistics to national security, one question looms large: do we have the power to fuel it?

When we talk about AI and its relationship to energy, it’s a conversation that sits at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and the future of our planet. And while much of the public conversation around AI revolves around ethics, automation, and job disruption, there’s another, less visible concern rising just as fast: electricity.