ALWAYS PREPARED

suburban propane
suburban propane

Keeping Operations Online: Suburban Propane’s Power Strategy

Overview

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Power Need

With hundreds of locations depending on its central systems, Suburban Propane could not afford a prolonged outage at its Whippany, New Jersey, headquarters. After experiencing a seven-day power outage following Superstorm Sandy, the company recognized it needed stronger backup power to keep critical operations online, including the data room supporting service centers across the country. 

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Solution

To add backup capacity, Suburban Propane purchased a 400 kW Cat® G3412 gas generator set from Foley Power Systems. The genset supports the Plaza 2 building, which houses key information technology and human resources functions, and it can run on propane from on-site 30,000-gallon tanks. Housed in a mobile container, the unit can be moved into position and connected when needed, giving the site more flexibility. 

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Results

The new setup gave Suburban Propane more dependable backup power for critical business functions while taking advantage of available on-site fuel. It also paired the generator with ongoing support through a Customer Value Agreement, helping the company stay prepared with regular inspections, maintenance, and annual testing. 

Summary

After a seven-day outage exposed the need for stronger backup power, Suburban Propane added a 400 kW Cat G3412 gas generator set to support critical operations at its Whippany headquarters. The unit powers the Plaza 2 building, runs on propane from on-site 30,000-gallon tanks, and is stored in a mobile container for flexible deployment. Backed by Foley Power Systems through a Customer Value Agreement, the system helps Suburban protect business continuity for locations and teams that rely on its central hub. 

Cat G3412 gas generator
Cat G3412 gas generator

Key Statistics

How does Suburban Propane support business continuity at its headquarters?

400 kW
Of backup power from a
Cat® G3412 gas generator set

30,000
Gallons of on-site propane
available to fuel the genset

60%
Load delivers full building power
with capacity to spare  

Actual results may vary based on conditions and other factors.

The Impact

By adding backup power for a building that supports core business and data functions, Suburban Propane improved resilience at a headquarters that helps keep hundreds of locations connected. The setup also gives the company a practical way to use on-site propane reserves to support extended outage planning. 

Suburban Propane
Suburban Propane

Quote

“We needed something to run one building including our data center so that it could house our disaster recovery and all of our business units.”

Al Pierce
Senior Facility Manager
Suburban Propane

Suburban Propane
Suburban Propane

 

Download the Power Profile

 

What generator set supports Suburban Propane’s backup power strategy?

  • Continuous Rating
    423 ekW @0.8pf
    423 ekW @0.8pf
    Fuel Type
    Natural Gas, Biogas, Field Gas, Propane
    Natural Gas, Biogas, Field Gas, Propane
    Maximum Electrical Efficiency
    37.30%
    37.30%

    G3412

    Using natural gas for combined heat and power (CHP) systems and emergency power for facilities, to renewable biogas energy to support the local grid, or electricity generated from coal mine gases, Caterpillar has a wide range of reliable gas power solutions.

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Resources to Help You Succeed

FAQs

Propane offers a reliable, on-site fuel source that supports extended runtime during outages. It has lower emissions than diesel and allows facilities to maintain power without relying on fuel deliveries.

The Cat® G3412 gas generator set delivers dependable power for standby and continuous applications. It offers efficient performance, fast response to load demands, and the flexibility to run on available gaseous fuels like propane.

A Customer Value Agreement (CVA) provides planned maintenance, regular inspections, and scheduled testing to keep equipment ready. It helps reduce unexpected downtime, simplify service planning, and extend equipment life.