Temporary power for construction sites: what you need to know
Temporary construction power includes generators, distribution equipment, and batteries to power sites without permanent grid connections or during high demand. It's essential for off-grid projects, remote locations, or utility delays. Key options include diesel generators, hybrid power systems, power distribution and battery energy storage, tailored to site needs. Aggreko ensures reliable power for construction projects of all sizes, from solo sites to large infrastructure like freeways and tunnels.
Why do construction sites need temporary power?
Construction sites need temporary power in three main scenarios.
New builds often start before grid connection is approved or installed. Temporary power bridges that gap, running site offices, tools, and early-stage equipment until permanent supply is live.
Remote or off-grid sites face a different problem: utility connection is either impractical or too expensive to justify for the project timeline. Large-scale infrastructure builds, such as airport expansions, tunnel projects, major freeway upgrades, or large industrial developments, often need more power than the surrounding grid can reliably supply during construction.
Disaster recovery and reconstruction projects often require temporary power while damaged utility infrastructure is repaired. Temporary generation gets work resuming without waiting on grid repairs.
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How do you size a generator for a construction site?
Generator sizing starts with the maximum expected demand, including both running loads and motor-starting surges, rather than average power consumption alone.
Three factors drive the calculation:
- Total connected load: Add up the running wattage of every piece of equipment that could operate at once, including tools, lighting, site offices, and portables.
- Starting load: Motors and compressors draw significantly more power on startup than during running operation. Factor this in or risk tripping the generator.
- Future load growth: Multi-phase projects add equipment over time. Size for where the project is headed, not just where it starts.
Undersizing can lead to overload trips, voltage instability, shutdowns, and increased equipment wear. Oversizing wastes fuel and increases hire costs unnecessarily. Our generator sizing guide walks through the calculation in more detail.
What are the safety and compliance requirements for construction site power?
Temporary power on a construction site needs to meet the same electrical safety standards as permanent installations, plus site-specific considerations.
Equipment must be installed and connected by a licensed electrician, with appropriate earthing, residual current protection, and load testing before energisation. Noise restrictions apply on most sites, particularly near residential areas or during set hours. Hybrid systems with battery storage reduce generator run-time, which lowers noise output alongside fuel use.
Regular inspection and maintenance schedules need to be documented, not assumed. Fuel storage and refuelling also carry their own compliance requirements under environmental and workplace safety regulations.