Europe, we have a problem: A lesson from Apollo 13 may help avert a power shortage

After a number of attempts in the cramped simulator, a power-saving sequence was revealed that would bring them under the threshold – by one amp.

One tiny amp of power saved three astronauts. And there may be no better illustration of how miniscule energy savings can add up to big gains. The Apollo 13 flight provides risk managers and engineers with two valuable lessons: Energy (kilowatt hours) saved today can be available during a shortage in the future. And, following careful procedures for using power (kilowatts) during phases where power supply is limited can be decisive in keeping the power supply working and avoiding damage that could worsen conditions during an energy crisis.

Preparing for crisis today

Fifty-two years after Apollo 13 safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, an entire continent is considering how it can make changes in energy consumption to avoid what some forecasters see as a looming energy crisis. Business continuity experts are saying now is the time to prepare for what could be a critical energy shortage in Europe this winter – by making large and small adjustments in the way power is used and having a plan in place in case the lights go out.

Our white paper, “Powered up: Avoiding the shock of an energy shortage with business continuity planning,” stresses the steps that businesses can take to lessen the risk that a critical power shortage will affect their operations. Additionally, our experts point to small changes that individuals can make in energy consumption that, when taken together, can lessen the strain on energy sources.

“Every kilowatt hour of energy saved today helps reduce the impact of a potential shortage,” said Jean-Pierre Krause, Zurich’s Chief Risk Engineering Officer. “We all have to act now because if a shortage isn’t averted, private and commercial energy consumers may see drastic power supply limitations imposed upon them.”

Taking steps to build continuity

While simple steps to save energy can work for any organization, comprehensive business continuity planning for commercial operations isn’t easy or quick. A number of actions must be considered as businesses ready themselves for the possibility that there could be difficulties accessing adequate supplies of power.

Proper planning calls for organizations to first analyze their energy situation, as the white paper explains. That means, among other things, identifying critical business processes that could be affected by a gas or electricity shortage and determining whether shortages could lead to physical damage or harm to people. It is important as well to determine which business activities are critical to the company’s survival and how they can be protected.

The next step is to define the activities and processes to be protected and prioritize them. Then develop the measures to make those activities resilient to gas or electricity shortages.

When that is completed, the plan is ready to be tested and implemented. During the testing phase, it will be clear whether staff is properly trained and understands how the business can operate during a power shortage.

Finally, businesses must be aware of situations that call for revising the business continuity management plan. If measures developed to protect processes turn out to be inadequate, for example, that process has to be reworked. Changes in regulatory environments can also call for revisions and plans have to adapt to ever-evolving energy market conditions as well as political and social situations that could affect power supplies.

The business continuity management steps are described in more detail in the white paper.

Businesses may find relief from alternative sources

Replacing electricity and gas with other means of energy is the most effective way to cut usage, Zurich experts point out. There are drawbacks, however, such as safety issues, increased emissions and investment costs. When considering a switch to an alternative energy source, Zurich suggests:

• Reactivating a dual-fuel system, if available, that typically operates on gas and liquid fuel
• Refurbish existing non-gas-based energy systems that are in regulatory compliance
• Using emergency diesel generators to provide power, when available
• Use liquified petroleum gas instead of natural gas or electricity when possible.

Regular maintenance of energy systems will also yield savings, as the report notes, because heat and energy transfers as well as movement of fluids create energy losses over time through wear, fouling, corrosion, deposits and other problems. Inlet and return temperature settings and flow settings should be adjusted to reduce efficiency losses in all types of HVAC or process cooling systems.

Thermal insulation should be checked for integrity and glass surfaces kept clean to allow in sunlight that can reduce the need for lighting and heating. Cold storage units can develop ice formations that should be removed.

The report notes that peak power demand can be lowered through sequential switching on of large numbers of devices that consume electricity. Where feasible, starting currents can be limited by using soft starters for large motors.

“Businesses are big consumers of power, but there are a lot of ways they can conserve,” said Christoph Rebholz, Senior Risk Engineer and Global Practice Leader Power Generation at Zurich Resilience Solutions. “A careful approach to managing the risk of a power shortage can keep them operating while helping ensure that there is enough energy available to everyone.”

Individuals can help avoid a crisis

Risk managers and their organizations aren’t solely responsible for saving energy to avoid a shortage this winter. As the white paper notes, individual energy-saving practices can go a long way in taking stress off energy sources.

Small steps such as switching off devices not in use and lowering blinds in the evening to reduce heat loss during the winter are among the ways individuals can cut energy usage. There’s a long list of such measures, which also include drying hair without a hair dryer, using manual tools instead of electrical ones, washing laundry at low temperature settings and taking the stairs instead of an elevator.

“Such awareness can add up to significant energy savings across populations,” said Rebholz. “And as winter approaches, now is the time to consider how everyone can contribute in ways that will help Europe weather the season with the energy it needs.”

Learn more by reading the white paper.