As a power generator, planned outages are essential to keeping your equipment running. And while they allow you to complete necessary turbine maintenance and repairs, the downtime required adds up. When planning your outages, here are five things you should keep in mind.

1. Pick the right time:

Plan your outages when electricity use is lowest. In most areas, that's spring or fall, but take a look at usage from previous years to make sure your turbines will be running when your customers need them.

2. Run pre-outage tests:

Well before your scheduled outage, run diagnostic tests to get a better idea of the repairs and maintenance you need. Mobil℠ Lubricant Analysis can give you the insight you need to plan ahead. It works to provide you with reliable predictive information, as well as recommended action steps and even on-site support from our engineers.

3. Prioritize your repairs:

After running tests, make a list of necessary repairs in order of urgency, as well as anything you want to get done that may be less crucial. When working with our Mobil engineers, they'll work to prioritize these repairs – from elevated bearing temperatures to removing varnish. From there, the team can create an outage strategy that allows the most important items to be completed first.

4. Get certified:

Ensure your team is up to date on safety trainings and any other certifications they need. This will allow for a safer, smoother outage for everyone and potentially save you money in the long run.

5. Expect the unexpected:

Even the best laid plans aren't guaranteed. Make sure your team knows what to do in case of an emergency and put some wiggle room in your schedule to deal with any surprises along the way.