In short. Temporary restrictions on diesel generators can arrive at short notice. Plan by classifying loads, arranging alternative supply for critical ones, keeping documents and testing the switchover before a restriction starts.
Plan before the notice
| Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Load classes | Critical, essential, deferrable. See load shedding |
| Alternative supply | Compliant set, gas set, storage or utility feeder |
| Documents | Certificates, test reports, approvals |
| Contacts | Regulator, utility, service partner |
| Fuel and consumables | Urea, filters, gas |
When a restriction starts
- Read the current order carefully.
- Check which sets are covered and which are exempt.
- Move deferrable loads off generators.
- Switch critical loads to the permitted source.
- Log all generator operation.
Engineering levers
- Cleaner sets or fuels. See cleaner-fuel systems.
- Storage to ride through short outages. See DG plus BESS.
- Rental of compliant equipment. See rental power.
Drills
Test the alternative on load. See load bank testing. A plan not tested on load is an assumption.
Illustrative example
A hotel classifies loads. During a restriction it runs lifts, lighting and kitchen cold storage on a permitted source and sheds laundry and comfort cooling. A drill in advance showed the transfer worked.
Build a restriction playbook
| Trigger | Action | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of restriction issued | Read the order; classify affected sets | Facility manager |
| Restriction takes effect | Switch deferrable loads to utility or off | Shift engineer |
| Utility outage during restriction | Use permitted source; log any generator use and reason | Shift engineer |
| Restriction lifted | Return to normal; review log | Facility manager |
Load classification example
- Critical: life-safety, data servers, patient monitoring.
- Essential: lifts, water pumps, lighting in common areas.
- Deferrable: comfort cooling, laundry, non-essential machinery.
This classification also supports load shedding when a smaller source carries the site.
Engineering options in more detail
- Storage: carries critical loads for the duration of short outages, so no generator needs to run.
- Compliant generation: sets that meet the category allowed under the order.
- Utility redundancy: second feeder, where available.
- Rental: compliant units delivered when needed.
Fuel and consumables
Keep enough fuel, urea and filters on hand. A restriction is a poor time to find that a supplier is out of stock.
Records and communication
Keep a dated log of all generator operation during restrictions. Inform occupants about expected changes, for example reduced lift service or comfort cooling.
Drills
Run a table-top exercise once a year. Walk through a restriction scenario with the people who would handle it, and update the playbook with what you learn.
The master engineering question
If the restricted sets stop, what carries the critical load?
What to send us
Send load list and generator inventory. Send your application details. See also Delhi-NCR / CAQM.
Questions engineers ask
Where are the current restrictions?
In official orders; verify there.
Do UPS and batteries count?
They help for short durations.
Can I rent compliant sets?
Often yes; check specifications.
Do I need to log operation?
Good practice and often required.
General guidance only. Verify with official notices.