Recent power failures in the UK have made headlines, with multiple high-profile incidents highlighting the serious consequences of power disruptions for critical infrastructure. From healthcare facilities to data centres, these events underscore UPS systems’ critical role in safeguarding essential operations and demonstrate the need for expert maintenance to ensure optimum performance when it’s needed most.
In this blog, we explore recent high-profile cases where UPS systems have made the news, examining the underlying causes behind these power failures and the far-reaching impacts they have on business operations.
Capital One
Power outages and technical failures can have a major impact on businesses, especially those in critical sectors like banking, where customer access to accounts and services is essential.
Capital One recently faced a significant outage impacting many customers’ ability to access their accounts and receive direct deposits, with over 2,100 reports filed within hours. The disruption was linked to a technical issue with a third-party vendor, Fidelity Information Services, after a local power outage near one of its data centres. This could potentially have been avoided with a properly maintained UPS system in place.
While the bank worked to resolve the issue and reimburse customers for any fees incurred, the incident highlights the need for regular UPS maintenance. UPS systems, while crucial for preventing service disruptions during power outages, can be vulnerable to issues such as ageing batteries or inadequate maintenance which can undermine their effectiveness in critical moments. This follows a similar disruption at Citibank earlier in the week, where a UPS failure caused widespread service outages, exposing the risks of neglecting routine system checks and updates.
The outages at Capital One and Citibank highlight how power outages can disrupt critical banking services, including access to accounts, direct deposits, and online banking. These technical issues, often tied to third-party vendors or data centre infrastructure, underscore the importance of reliable power backup UPS systems in ensuring uninterrupted service for financial institutions.
Nottinghamshire Hospital UPS Failure: Critical Impact on Patient Care
One of the most alarming cases involved a Nottinghamshire hospital, where a UPS failure led to a temporary loss of power to key medical equipment and systems. In October 2023, the hospital’s UPS unit failed during a power disruption, impacting its ability to maintain life-saving equipment in certain departments, including intensive care units (ICUs) and operating theatres.
Fortunately, the failure was quickly addressed, and backup generators provided power, but it raised serious concerns about the hospital’s resilience to power interruptions. The incident sparked a debate on the adequacy of UPS systems in hospitals, where reliability is of utmost importance for patient safety. NHS trusts and other healthcare facilities are now under increased scrutiny to review their power backup systems, with calls for better testing, maintenance, and modernisation of their UPS units.
Data Centre Failures: Tech Sector
Uninterrupted power is crucial for maintaining services like cloud computing, online banking, and e-commerce. In November 2023, a major UPS failure in a data centre in the UK caused an extended outage for several high-profile clients, leading to widespread disruption for businesses that depend on cloud infrastructure. The power failure affected several international clients and led to several hours of downtime, impacting everything from website accessibility to business transactions.
This outage exposed vulnerabilities in the power infrastructure of critical digital services. While the failure was not catastrophic, it highlighted how a single UPS malfunction can have a ripple effect across multiple industries, especially those heavily reliant on constant uptime. As a result, many companies are now revisiting their disaster recovery plans and investing in appropriate UPS systems – and regular maintenance – to ensure their data centres are protected from similar issues in the future.
Manchester Airport
A power outage at Manchester Airport caused significant disruptions, grounding flights and impacting around 90,000 passengers. The airport’s backup power systems failed to function properly, leading to equipment damage and cancelled flights. Although the backup power did activate, its failure to maintain a stable supply caused further issues, crippling key systems like security and baggage handling. The outage caused widespread operational disruptions, which serves as a reminder of how reliable and well-maintained UPS systems are vital in preventing downtime and safeguarding operations.
What Went Wrong? Common Issues with UPS Failures
These incidents have brought attention to common issues that lead to UPS failures, such as:
Ageing equipment: Many UPS units were installed years ago and may not have been updated or maintained regularly. Outdated systems can fail more easily when stressed by power surges or high demand.
Underestimating load capacity: In some cases, UPS systems fail because they are not adequately sized for the load they need to support. With the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, more robust systems may be needed to keep up with the capacity required.
Lack of regular testing and maintenance: Many businesses and organisations do not carry out regular testing or maintenance on their UPS systems, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected failures when needed most. UPS systems should be maintained and serviced at least once a year by experts who are familiar with and experienced in maintaining UPS systems.
Environmental factors: Factors like temperature, humidity, or electrical interference can also contribute to UPS system failures if the units are not installed or maintained in optimal conditions.
The Role of BCL Power in Ensuring UPS Reliability
The recent UPS failures in these sectors highlight the vital need for robust, reliable backup power systems. As all types of sectors are increasingly dependent on uninterrupted power to maintain business operations, these incidents highlight the risks of outdated equipment and inadequate maintenance. Moving forward, investing in modern, well-maintained UPS systems, along with regular testing and capacity assessments, is crucial to prevent future disruptions and safeguard essential services.
BCL Power plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing cutting-edge UPS systems designed for high-demand sectors like healthcare, technology, and transportation. With a focus on reliability, advanced technology, and tailored solutions, BCL Power ensures that organisations can maintain critical operations without interruption. As businesses and institutions increasingly recognise the importance of reliable backup power, partnering with experienced providers like BCL Power will be key to mitigating risks and ensuring continuous service, even during unforeseen disruptions.
Don’t wait for a crisis – contact BCL Power today to assess your UPS needs and secure a dependable, future-proof backup solution for your operations.