Rehlko Generators for Hospitals

Power That Saves Lives

Hospitals depend on power every second of every day. Medical equipment, patient care, and facility safety all rely on steady energy.

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Bay City Electric Works designs, installs, and maintains Rehlko™️ generator systems that keep hospitals running when the grid goes down.


For more than 90 years, BCEW has helped healthcare and critical industries stay powered. Our certified teams provide complete design, installation, and maintenance services across California, Nevada, and Hawaii.ith your content

Why Power Reliability Matters in Healthcare

Power supports every function in a hospital — from surgical lights to ventilators and monitoring equipment. When it fails, patient care stops.

Recent studies show the real impact:

  • Power outages led to 28,000 canceled patient visits in one survey.
  • Events like Hurricane Beryl, which left millions without power in Texas, show how extreme weather continues to test grid reliability.
  • According to federal data cited by the Center for American Progress, more than 4.5 million Medicare recipients use medical equipment that depends on continuous power such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and electric hospital beds. Millions more Americans with private insurance rely on similar devices at home and in healthcare facilities.

Reliable standby power keeps these systems running and patients safe.

The Cost of Downtime

Every minute without power costs hospitals time and money.

Experts estimate hospital downtime at about $7,900 per minute. Lost surgeries, damaged equipment, and delayed care add up quickly.

Weather Events Are Driving More Outages

According to Climate Central, 80% of major power outages between 2000 and 2023 were caused by weather. High winds, hurricanes, and wildfires are leading causes.


Hospitals must be ready to operate during longer and more frequent grid failures.

Extended Outages Disrupt Care

A recent Direct Relief study found that 54% of community clinics experienced closures during power loss, with outages lasting an average of 47 hours.

Those numbers highlight how important strong standby systems are for healthcare operations.

Hospitals are built to keep going when everything else stops. Your team depends on power that performs under pressure—steady, efficient, and ready when needed.

That’s where Bay City Electric Works and Rehlko Power Systems come in. Together, we help hospitals maintain continuous operation with dependable standby power and full compliance support, so care continues without interruption.

Get a Reliability Assessment

Bay City Electric Works designs, installs, and maintains Rehlko™️ generator systems that keep hospitals running when the grid goes down.


For more than 90 years, BCEW has helped healthcare and critical industries stay powered. Our certified teams provide complete design, installation, and maintenance services across California, Nevada, and Hawaii.

What Happens When Power Fails in a Hospital

Power loss affects far more than lighting. It touches every system in a healthcare facility:

Surgeries stop, and critical care equipment shuts down. 

Refrigeration fails, putting blood and medication at risk.

Communication systems and records go offline.

HVAC and elevators lose function, creating safety hazards.

FEMA states that healthcare facilities cannot suspend operations during power outages.

Rehlko generators keep life-safety, critical, and equipment systems powered so hospitals can continue care without interruption.

Compliance and Safety Standards

Hospitals must meet strict standards for emergency power.

BCEW designs and maintains Rehlko systems that meet all major codes and inspection requirements.

Key Regulations:

NFPA 99

Defines how hospitals power critical systems like operating rooms and ICUs.

NFPA 110

Sets standards for emergency system performance and testing.

NFPA 70 (NEC 517)

Covers hospital electrical design and transfer systems.

Joint Commission (JCAHO)

Requires generator testing and maintenance records.

HCAI / OSHPD (California)

Ensures seismic and emission compliance.

CMS Emergency Preparedness

Requires hospitals to plan for sustained outages.

We keep Rehlko systems inspection-ready and fully documented to meet every compliance rule.

How Hospital Power Systems Are Designed

Each hospital power system includes the following design elements to ensure safe and reliable operation:

Essential Electrical System Design

Hospitals have three main power branches: life safety, critical, and equipment. BCEW ensures each branch is powered correctly for code compliance and performance.

Fast Transfer and Load Capacity

Rehlko systems restore power in less than 10 seconds after a grid failure.  We configure systems with N, N+1, or 2N redundancy based on your facility’s needs.

Fuel and Runtime

Hospitals are required to store 96 hours of fuel for essential systems. BCEW designs and tests fuel systems for safety and compliance.

Integration and Automation

Rehlko systems work seamlessly with UPS and hospital monitoring systems, maintaining smooth transitions and steady voltage.

Common Problems in Existing Hospital Systems

Hospitals often face reliability challenges, such as:

Older generators that can’t meet Tier 4 emission standards

Fuel tanks with poor quality control or contamination 

Missing or incomplete testing records

Delayed automatic transfer switch (ATS) responses

Limited access to local parts and service

Bay City Electric Works helps hospitals upgrade outdated systems to reliable, compliant Rehlko power solutions.

Dependable Power Backed by BCEW Expertise

BCEW is an authorized Rehlko Power Systems partner.

We combine factory-trained technicians with healthcare power expertise to deliver dependable, compliant systems.

What We Provide:

Certified Rehlko installation and service

Power design that meets NFPA and OSHPD standards

Preventive maintenance and load testing 

Local teams available 24/7 for emergencies

We make sure your hospital's power system works exactly when you need it most.

Rehlko KD Series for Healthcare

Rehlko KD Series generators are built for continuous-duty operation.


They deliver clean, efficient power that meets healthcare demands.

Key Features:

Tier 4 Final certified for emissions

HVO and hydrogen-ready for renewable use

Stable voltage for sensitive medical equipment

High output and fuel efficiency 

Reliable performance under continuous load

BCEW installs and maintains KD Series systems with full start-up testing and local parts support.

Maintenance, Testing, and Documentation

BCEW’s maintenance programs are designed around hospital schedules and regulatory needs.

Testing Schedule:

Monthly no-load generator tests

Semiannual load bank tests 

Annual inspections and calibrations

Maintenance Tasks:

Fuel, oil, and coolant checks

ATS and control verification

Battery and system health testing

Full digital reports for audit records

Regular service reduces emergency repairs by up to 60% and extends generator life by up to 30%.

Emergency and Disaster Response

Hospitals in California, Nevada, and Hawaii face unique challenges from wildfires, earthquakes, and severe storms. Power interruptions during these events can disrupt patient care and emergency operations.

Bay City Electric Works provides rapid response and field support to help hospitals stay operational during disasters. Our teams coordinate directly with facility engineers and safety officers to restore or maintain standby power when the grid is down.

We also offer:

24/7 emergency dispatch for generator service and diagnostics

Mobile power units for temporary or supplementary supply

Priority parts delivery through regional service centers

Fuel support coordination for extended outages

With local coverage and certified Rehlko technicians, BCEW ensures hospitals have dependable power even under the most demanding conditions.

Building for the Future

Hospitals are moving toward smarter, more sustainable power systems.

BCEW and Rehlko support hospitals through the following advancements:

Microgrid Integration

Combine backup and renewable sources for resilience.

Smart Monitoring

Track system performance in real time.

Cleaner Fuels

Use renewable diesel (HVO) and hydrogen blends to meet sustainability goals.

BCEW helps hospitals plan for reliable power today and a cleaner, compliant future.

Protect Your Hospital with Reliable Standby Power

Bay City Electric Works delivers Rehlko Power Systems for hospitals and healthcare facilities that demand nonstop reliability.

From design to maintenance, our local certified technicians provide the power assurance your patients and staff depend on.

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Explore Related Applications

Reliable standby power supports all critical operations:

24/7 protection for IT systems

Backup for public event spaces

Frequently Asked Questions

What brand of generators do hospitals use?

Many hospitals rely on Rehlko™ generators for standby power. Rehlko, formerly known as Kohler Power Systems, is one of the most trusted names in healthcare power.
Bay City Electric Works is an authorized Rehlko partner, providing certified installation and maintenance for hospitals and healthcare facilities across California, Nevada, and Hawaii.

Do hospitals have their own generators?

Yes. Hospitals are required by code to have their own emergency and standby power systems.
These generators activate automatically within seconds of a power outage.

They supply electricity to critical branches, including life safety systems, surgical equipment, and communication systems, until grid power is restored.

How many kilowatts (kW) does it take to power a hospital?

Power needs vary by size and services offered.
Smaller community hospitals may need 250–750 kW, while large regional or teaching hospitals can require 2 MW or more.
BCEW engineers size every Rehlko system precisely based on load requirements, redundancy goals, and local regulations.

Example: A single 500 kW generator can support lighting, HVAC, life safety systems, and limited surgical operations in smaller facilities.

How long can a hospital generator run during an outage?

Hospitals are required to store enough on-site fuel for at least 96 hours (four days) of continuous operation under full load.

Rehlko KD Series generators, installed by BCEW, are designed for long-duration use and continuous-duty performance.

With proper maintenance and refueling support, systems can operate far longer when needed.

How long does a hospital generator last?

With preventive maintenance, most commercial-grade hospital generators last 20 to 30 years or longer.

Regular load bank testing, fluid analysis, and component inspections can extend their life even further.

BCEW helps hospitals track maintenance schedules and performance data to ensure long-term reliability.

What can a 500 kW generator power in a hospital?

A 500 kW generator can typically power essential systems in a smaller facility, such as:

  • Life safety circuits (emergency lighting, alarms, elevators)
  • HVAC systems for patient areas
  • Essential medical equipment and IT systems

Larger hospitals often use multiple generators in parallel to ensure full coverage and redundancy.

Does Medicare cover generators for home medical use?

Medicare does not typically cover generators, even for individuals using medical devices at home.
However, hospitals and healthcare facilities must maintain compliant backup power under NFPA 99 and CMS Emergency Preparedness requirements.

BCEW can help hospital staff and planners select compliant Rehlko systems that protect both facility operations and patient care.

Who makes the best commercial generators?

Rehlko Power Systems is one of the leading names in the industry, known for reliability, performance, and emissions compliance.
The Rehlko KD Series delivers Tier 4-certified, renewable-fuel compatible power trusted by hospitals, data centers, and critical infrastructure worldwide.
Bay City Electric Works proudly represents Rehlko as an authorized sales and service partner in CA, NV, and HI.

What is the average monthly electric bill for a hospital?

Energy use depends on size, climate, and equipment load. Most mid-sized U.S. hospitals spend between $60,000 and $100,000 per month on electricity.
Standby power systems do not reduce utility costs but protect hospitals from financial and operational losses during outages.

BCEW helps facilities design efficient backup systems that reduce downtime and maintenance expenses.

How does BCEW support hospitals beyond installation?

Bay City Electric Works provides full-lifecycle support:

  • System design and engineering
  • Installation and commissioning
  • Preventive maintenance and testing
  • Compliance documentation
  • 24/7 emergency response

We keep your Rehlko power system ready for inspection — and ready for every emergency.

Talk to a Hospital Power Specialist

READY FOR RELIABLE POWER?

Whether you need new equipment, generator repair service, parts, or rentals, we can help. We respond within one hour across CA, NV & HI. Same-day scheduling available.

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