This book provides invaluable information on emergency and backup power sources, as we experience an aging power distribution system that often fails to provide reliable power. The massive power outage in the summer of 2003 that affected eight states and parts of Canada is one example. The reader will find much useful information on the types of systems that can take over during power interruptions, such as standby power systems that employ batteries, kinetic energy storage, fuel cells, reciprocating engines, and turbines. Topics include, power disturbances and interruptions, spikes and noise, sags and surges, blackouts and brownouts, surge suppression, voltages regulation, load management, power quality issues, reliability and maintainability, comparison of operating costs, environmental issues, blackout planning, emergency procedures, and more.