Check your air quality permits first. Most backup generator permits limit non-emergency use to testing and maintenance - usually 50-100 hours per year maximum. If you're running for economic reasons, you might need a different permit classification.
University of Missouri Hospital backup generator fuel costs
Also check with hospital administration about insurance implications. Some policies require backup generators to be reserved for true emergencies. Running them for cost savings might affect coverage if there's an actual power outage.
University Hospital in Columbia has been running backup generators during Ameren Missouri peak hours to save on demand charges. The fuel cost is about $0.18/kWh vs peak electricity rate of $0.14/kWh. But the demand charge savings make it worthwhile - peak demand rate is $22.50/kW vs $6.80/kW off-peak. Question: are there any restrictions on using backup generators for economic dispatch rather than emergencies?
Economic dispatch of backup generators can provide significant savings for hospitals with high peak demand charges, but regulatory and operational constraints must be carefully evaluated. Air permits, insurance requirements, and equipment maintenance schedules all factor into the analysis.