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A natural gas generator for business is a critical investment for operational continuity. It provides automatic backup power during outages with lower fuel costs, cleaner emissions, and longer runtimes than diesel alternatives. By connecting directly to existing natural gas lines, these generators eliminate fuel storage concerns and ensure your facility maintains power when the grid fails.
Quick Answer: Top Reasons Businesses Choose Natural Gas Generators
Power outages cause costly production delays, data loss, safety risks in healthcare, and lost revenue for retail. For example, one engine plant achieved significant cost savings by switching from diesel to a natural gas backup system without sacrificing reliability. This reflects a broader trend as businesses recognize the financial and operational advantages of natural gas. Modern systems now match or exceed diesel reliability while offering cleaner operation and a lower total cost of ownership.
Easy natural gas generator for business glossary:
A natural gas generator for business is a popular choice, balancing cost savings, environmental responsibility, and rock-solid reliability. These generators are strategic assets for business continuity and sustainability. Their growing efficiency and accessibility make them vital for keeping operations running smoothly, no matter the circumstances.
The financial case for natural gas is compelling. Natural gas is typically cheaper than diesel or gasoline, which means lower operating costs, especially during extended outages. With costs per kWh usually ranging from $0.08 to $0.15, the long-term savings are substantial.
Another key benefit is that no on-site fuel storage is required. Diesel generators need large, regulated tanks and regular fuel deliveries. Natural gas generators connect directly to your existing utility line, eliminating storage tanks, fuel deliveries, and worries about fuel degradation.
Maintenance is also more affordable. Because natural gas burns cleaner than diesel, there is less internal engine buildup. This translates to less wear and tear on components, longer service intervals, and fewer repair bills. When you combine cheaper fuel, no storage costs, and reduced maintenance, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) makes natural gas generators a smart long-term investment.
Beyond cost savings, natural gas generators offer significant environmental and operational benefits. As the cleanest burning fossil fuel, natural gas produces far lower emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide, and particulate matter than diesel. This helps your business meet sustainability goals and comply with strict EPA regulations. Many modern generator sets include built-in NOx sensors to automatically monitor and maintain compliance.
From a performance standpoint, these generators start quickly during an outage, minimizing downtime. Their reliability is improved by the underground pipeline network, which is largely unaffected by the severe weather that downs power lines. This provides a continuous fuel supply you can count on.
Finally, natural gas generators run considerably quieter than their diesel counterparts, making them ideal for facilities in urban or residential areas. A high-capacity 1000kW gaseous generator, for example, is engineered for both quiet operation and high efficiency, proving you don’t have to sacrifice power for peace.
Choosing the right natural gas generator for business means matching the unit to your specific needs. Just as you’d select a vehicle for a particular task, you must select a generator that is properly sized and equipped for your facility’s power requirements.
First, determine how you will use the generator.
For most businesses, a standby generator is the right solution for ensuring operational continuity.
The kilowatt (kW) rating indicates the generator’s power output, and correct sizing is crucial. A unit that’s too small will be overworked, risking damage to the generator and your equipment. A unit that’s too large is an unnecessary expense and operates inefficiently. You must calculate both your running wattage (continuous power needs) and starting wattage (the initial surge from equipment like A/C units or motors).
Our team at MTS Power Products can help you with these crucial calculations to ensure you get exactly what you need.
Focus on features that ensure reliability and safety.
When considering a natural gas generator for business, it’s crucial to evaluate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This goes beyond the initial price tag to include installation, operation, and maintenance, giving you a true picture of the investment in power security.
The initial investment includes the generator and its installation.
Purchase price varies widely by size and features. A small 30 kW unit may cost $15,000-$25,000, while a mid-range 60-100 kW system can be $30,000-$60,000. High-capacity units (500 kW+) start around $100,000 and can exceed $500,000. To reduce upfront costs, consider a quality used natural gas generator that has been professionally inspected and load-tested. For comparison, Caterpillar’s natural gas generators offer competitive pricing in the high-capacity range.
Installation costs are often underestimated and can range from $5,000 for a simple setup to over $25,000 for complex projects. This includes a concrete support pad, gas line connection, an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), and all electrical work. You must also account for permitting fees and labor for certified technicians. In Miami, FL, for example, installations require specific permits and must meet local codes.
Long-term costs are primarily fuel and maintenance.
Fuel consumption depends on generator size and load. A 100 kW generator at 75% load uses about 900-1,200 cubic feet of natural gas per hour. With typical gas prices, this results in an operating cost of $0.08 to $0.15 per kWh—significantly lower than diesel.
Maintenance is critical for reliability. Cutting corners here is a mistake that can lead to failure during an outage. Budget $1,000 to $2,000 annually for commercial generator maintenance. Service is typically recommended every 250-500 hours of operation or semi-annually for standby units. This includes oil and filter changes, coolant checks, and inspections of all systems.
A service agreement from MTS Power Products removes the guesswork from maintenance, ensuring your generator is always ready to perform.
When choosing backup power, the natural gas versus diesel debate is common. For many businesses, a natural gas generator for business has key advantages in cost, emissions, and convenience.
Natural gas is typically cheaper than diesel, with operating costs often falling between $0.08 and $0.15 per kWh. These savings become significant over the generator’s lifespan, especially for prime power applications or during frequent outages.
Environmentally, natural gas is the clear winner. As the cleanest burning fossil fuel, it produces substantially lower emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter. This helps with sustainability goals and simplifies compliance with EPA regulations. The cleaner burn also means less engine wear and lower maintenance costs compared to diesel.
A major advantage for natural gas is runtime capability. A direct connection to the underground pipeline provides a virtually unlimited fuel supply, eliminating the need for on-site storage tanks and emergency fuel deliveries during a crisis. Diesel generators are limited by the amount of fuel stored on-site. Natural gas generators are also quieter, a key benefit for facilities in populated areas.
While diesel has a higher energy density and sometimes a lower upfront purchase price, these initial savings are often negated by higher long-term operational and maintenance costs.
However, natural gas generators have some limitations to consider.
The lower energy density of natural gas means a slightly larger engine may be needed to produce the same power as a diesel equivalent.
The primary consideration is the reliance on the utility pipeline. While the gas infrastructure is extremely reliable, a major disruption (though rare) could affect your fuel supply. A diesel generator with a full tank can operate independently.
Installation can also be more complex, requiring professional gas line work and permitting. While MTS Power Products manages these complexities for its clients, they should be factored into your project timeline. Finally, the initial purchase price for a natural gas unit can be higher, but this is often recouped through lower TCO.
The journey to securing reliable backup power with a natural gas generator for business culminates in finding the right supplier and making an informed final selection. This decision is about finding a long-term partner who provides expertise, installation, and ongoing support to ensure your investment performs flawlessly for years.
As you finalize your selection, confirm these key points:
Whether you buy new or used, your supplier is as important as the generator itself.
Used generators can offer significant cost savings, but due diligence is essential. Only buy from a supplier who provides thorough inspection reports, load-testing data, and documentation of the unit’s history.
When finding a supplier, look for a partner with deep technical expertise to guide you through sizing, installation, and emissions compliance. Professional installation and ongoing service agreements are non-negotiable for safety and longevity.
Based in Miami, Florida, MTS Power Products is a direct source for professional-grade generators, automatic transfer switches, and our own line of McPherson Controls. These advanced control systems feature programmable displays and remote monitoring for superior control and safety. As experts in the field, we provide complete guidance from quote to installation, backed by worldwide delivery capabilities from our location near the Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami. There is no better company in South Florida to provide custom generators and power solutions.
For more detailed information about natural gas powered generators and how they can benefit your specific business, visit our natural gas generator page.
Here are answers to common questions about natural gas generators for business to help you make an informed decision.
Fuel consumption depends on the generator’s size (kW rating) and its load. As a practical example, a 100 kW generator running at 75% capacity typically consumes 900 to 1,200 cubic feet of natural gas per hour. A smaller 30 kW unit might use 300-400 cubic feet per hour, while a large 500 kW generator could consume 4,500-6,000 cubic feet per hour.
These figures translate to an operating cost of roughly $9 to $18 per hour for the 100 kW generator, based on typical natural gas prices. This is often significantly less than diesel. For precise figures, always consult the manufacturer’s specification sheets.
Yes, they are highly reliable. The reason is the underground natural gas infrastructure. While severe weather can damage overhead electrical lines, underground gas pipelines typically remain operational. This gives your natural gas generator for business a continuous fuel supply, even when the grid is down for an extended period.
This reliability was proven during major hurricanes in South Florida. While others scrambled for diesel deliveries on impassable roads, our clients with natural gas systems kept running. As long as the municipal gas supply is intact, your generator can run indefinitely.
Regular maintenance is crucial for reliability. Natural gas generators require less frequent service than diesel units due to the cleaner-burning fuel.
A typical service includes oil and filter changes, coolant checks, spark plug inspections, and testing of the automatic transfer switch. Annual maintenance costs for commercial units typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.
MTS Power Products offers comprehensive service agreements to manage this schedule for you. Our advanced McPherson Controls systems can even provide remote monitoring to anticipate maintenance needs, ensuring your generator is always ready.
A natural gas generator for business is more than equipment; it’s an insurance policy against downtime, a commitment to cleaner operations, and a smart financial investment in your company’s long-term health.
The benefits are clear: the reliability of an underground fuel supply, the cost-efficiency of lower fuel and maintenance expenses, and the sustainability of using the cleanest fossil fuel available. This investment pays dividends that go beyond the balance sheet. When competitors are down, you’re running smoothly. When fuel prices spike, your costs remain stable. When regulations tighten, you’re already compliant.
At MTS Power Products, we specialize in custom power solutions. Our team in Miami, Florida, provides expert guidance on custom generators, automatic transfer switches, and our advanced McPherson Controls line featuring remote monitoring. We are your partner in ensuring your business never misses a beat, offering support from initial quote to installation and ongoing maintenance.
The question isn’t if you can afford backup power, but if you can afford the cost of downtime. Every hour of disruption impacts your revenue, reputation, and operations.
Ready to take the next step toward complete power security? For more info about natural gas powered generators and to design a solution for your needs, reach out to our team today.
