Client
When one of the UK’s largest universities suffered a major power outage, MEMS Power Generation was called upon to implement a fully managed university emergency power solution. Spanning over 90 acres and accommodating more than 38,000 students, the university had proactively invested in a disaster recovery plan to ensure resilience in such events.
Following an extensive technical disaster recovery survey conducted by MEMS, 15 tailored contingency plans were developed, each designed for a specific substation. This strategic foresight enabled a rapid and effective response when a high-voltage network failure disrupted power.
The university’s significant expansion over recent years meant any power disruption could impact:
For years, the university had prepared for the unexpected—but then, the unplanned happened. A key component of the high-voltage network failed unexpectedly, plunging parts of the campus into darkness.
In the middle of the night, the university activated its disaster recovery protocol, contacting MEMS Power Generation’s 24/7 operations centre. Quoting their unique disaster recovery reference, the university ensured that the correct pre-planned response was immediately triggered. This allowed MEMS to act without delay, deploying the appropriate emergency power solution.
MEMS mobilised its emergency response team and delivered a robust temporary power solution within hours. The response included:
Despite the unplanned nine-day outage, MEMS ensured:
A power outage on this scale could have caused major operational and reputational damage for the university. MEMS Power Generation’s rapid response ensured that lectures continued, research projects remained uninterrupted, and student welfare was safeguarded.
By delivering a university emergency power solution that was pre-planned, expertly managed, and immediately deployed, MEMS prevented a potentially costly and disruptive scenario. This case study highlights why having a MEMS disaster recovery plan in place isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about safeguarding your reputation, reducing downtime, and ensuring seamless continuity for staff and students.