Power to Support Critical Care
Emergency backup power runs life-safety systems
Tift Regional Health System is a hospital network serving 12 counties in southern Georgia. Multiple expansions over the last 50 years have made it the county’s largest employer. To ensure the campus has a continuous supply of power, even in crisis situations, Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) requires emergency backup power for life-safety systems and other essential operations.
“Operating solely on 1MW and 600kW generator sets, we were at our capacity and required an additional reliable backup power source,” said Don Gay, director of facilities, engineering and safety for TRMC. Their needs went beyond additional emergency power. The new system had to comply with all of the Joint Commission standards, tests and reporting. The existing backup power equipment wasn’t capable of this. Attempting to work with their existing power system supplier to meet their needs, they ultimately switched gears and decided to take a look at Caterpillar.
Working with Cat® dealer Yancey Power Systems, a standby power solution was installed. It included an additional Cat C32 diesel generator set with paralleling switchgear to control existing and new units, an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), and upgraded software with real-time reporting.
“The electronic reporting saves us approximately $4,000 a year, which should be doubled for the two consecutive years that it does not need to be done. So, that’s $8,000 in immediate savings right off the top,” Setters said.
Their Cat dealer also provides annual and preventive maintenance services. With an ever-expanding facility and changing regulations, TRMC appreciates Caterpillar-- a partner who can grow with them.