Temporary power

How to plan temporary power for an event

Power plan.

Event power is not just a generator size. A good plan matches the load, runtime, charging plan, site layout, noise limits, fuel handling, and failure risk before equipment is priced.

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Start here

Five checks

These checks keep the conversation practical. They also give a supplier enough information to recommend a generator, battery unit, e-generator, or hybrid setup without guessing.

What must stay on

Separate critical loads from convenience loads. Refrigeration, comms, payment systems, lighting, medical or response equipment, and control systems need a different risk view from a phone charger or occasional tool.

Starting surge

Motors, pumps, refrigeration, compressors, and some catering equipment can draw more power at start-up than they use once running. A load list should show both running watts and likely start-up demand.

Real run time

Do not size power from the opening hours alone. Include build, rehearsal, overnight security, cool-down, breakdown, recharge windows, refuelling access, and any quiet periods where diesel running is a problem.

Where power sits

Cable runs, public access, weather exposure, noise, exhaust, ventilation, and refuelling access all affect what is practical. The best power choice on paper can fail if the site layout does not support it.

What can recharge

Battery systems need a charging plan. Grid, generator, solar, or mixed charging all change the operating cost, diesel use, and how much equipment you need on site.

Choosing the power option

Power options

The right answer may be generator-only, battery-only, or a hybrid. For example, portable battery systems such as Instagrid products are useful where output, mobility, quiet operation, and fast deployment matter. Rex Nordic BX e-generators are positioned for independent battery operation or hybrid use with a diesel generator, including peak-shaving support. The final choice should be checked against the exact load profile.

Generator only

Best for: Best where high loads run for long periods and refuelling is straightforward.

Check: Watch low-load running, noise, local emissions, fuel handling, service time, and idle hours.

Portable battery

Best for: Best for mobile work, smaller loads, indoor-adjacent tasks, public areas, and quiet power needs.

Check: Watch capacity, continuous output, peak output, IP rating, recharge time, and transport requirements.

Hybrid BESS

Best for: Best where a generator is still needed but the battery can cover light loads, smooth peaks, and reduce runtime.

Check: Watch battery capacity, usable energy, generator control, charge window, operating assumptions, and site handover.

Useful data

Load profile

A useful power enquiry should include item name, running watts, start-up surge where known, quantity, hours used per day, whether the item is critical, and any quiet-hours requirement. If the power plan is seasonal, include days per year so fuel and servicing can be compared against battery charging and generator runtime reduction.

Send this with the enquiry

  • Equipment list with watts, quantity, and run time.
  • Peak loads, motors, compressors, refrigeration, pumps, or catering equipment.
  • Site plan notes: cable distance, weather exposure, public access, and noise limits.
  • Charging options: grid, generator, solar, or no reliable charging available.
  • Operating pattern: event hours, build hours, overnight loads, and days per year.

Next step

Check cost

Once the load profile is clear, compare generator-only running cost with a hybrid battery setup. The result is still a planning estimate, but it makes the quote conversation much sharper.

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