Facilities like hospitals, prisons, and assisted living centers require uninterrupted power and fuel supply to ensure the safety, security, and operational efficiency of everyone living and working there. Power outages or natural gas disruptions can occur due to extreme weather, supply chain delays, or other unforeseen circumstances, so having a reliable backup solution is non-negotiable.

For resident-based facilities, propane standby systems serve two critical roles:

• They power standby propane generators when the electrical grid fails.
• They act as propane backup fuel systems when natural gas service is interrupted.

These systems ensure essential functions continue without disruption, whether by generating electricity or replacing natural gas supply through propane pumps, vaporizers, and gas-air mixing technology. Learn more about why facilities need propane standby systems and how they compare to other backup options.

Why Facilities Need Propane Standby Power

Facilities that serve vulnerable populations cannot afford any disruptions to their power or gas supplies. For instance, hospitals need continuous electricity for medical equipment and patient monitoring as well as a stable gas supply for sterilization, heating, and other critical medical applications. Assisted living centers depend on both electricity and gas for food preparation, climate control, and residents’ medical needs.

Similarly, prisons rely on continuous power for security systems and uninterrupted gas service for kitchens, heating, and laundry facilities. None of these facilities can function without electricity and gas, so a standby system is critical.

Regardless of the facility being served, a propane standby system provides the following:

• Continuous power during electrical outages
• A secondary fuel source for natural gas systems, using gas-air mixers and propane vaporizers to replicate natural gas properties
• Regulatory compliance with healthcare and public safety mandates requiring backup energy
• Financial protection from operational shutdowns due to power or gas supply failures

Given the unpredictability of power and natural gas shortages, propane generators and standby fuel systems provide seamless emergency activation to keep staff and residents safe, run critical operations, and maintain essential services.

The Role of Propane Standby Systems in Critical Facilities

Assisted living facilities, hospitals, and prisons require uninterrupted energy for power and heating. Hospitals depend on propane to generate electricity for emergency rooms and life-saving equipment, while propane vaporizers provide an instant backup fuel supply when natural gas lines are down. Prisons require continuous gas service to maintain cooking, heating, and security operations, which propane can sustain when the gas supply is interrupted. Assisted living facilities benefit from propane’s dual-use capability, supplying consistent power for medical devices and uninterrupted heating and cooking through propane-fueled appliances.

While diesel is another option, propane is a superior choice because it does not degrade over time. Propane fuel offers reliable long-term energy storage and automatic activation when needed.

In addition, propane is more environmentally friendly. It emits significantly fewer pollutants than diesel, lowering the facility’s carbon footprint. Its storage flexibility allows for large reserves to be maintained on-site in underground tanks, ensuring an uninterrupted supply even during extended outages. Propane standby systems also integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, making them a cost-effective and practical choice for institutions that require energy reliability without excessive maintenance demands.

Propane Standby Fuel Systems vs. Diesel and Natural Gas Backup

Propane standby systems have significant advantages over diesel generators, particularly in terms of fuel stability, maintenance, and environmental impact. Diesel fuel degrades over time, requiring frequent fuel turnover and tank cleaning to prevent contamination. In contrast, propane can be stored indefinitely without risk of degradation. Propane also burns cleaner than diesel, so it is a healthier choice for medical and assisted living facilities serving sensitive populations.

Additionally, propane generators operate more quietly than diesel generators, reducing noise pollution in hospitals and residential care facilities. While diesel generators are known for high power output, their maintenance requirements and environmental drawbacks make propane a more practical and sustainable solution for long-term standby power in critical facilities.

The chart below compares the key differences between propane standby fuel systems and the alternatives of diesel and natural gas backup.

Secure Your Facility With a Reliable Propane Standby System

Running a resident-based facility such as a prison, hospital, or nursing home requires around-the-clock power, no matter what’s happening outside. Investing in the right propane standby system keeps your facility operational during unexpected energy disruptions. Whether you’re supplementing natural gas or providing backup power, propane offers a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible solution.

Industrial Propane Service (IPS) provides high-quality propane standby systems for large-scale facilities. Explore our plant service page or resources to learn more about implementing the ideal propane standby system in your facility. For personalized guidance on selecting a propane standby system, contact us today.