Guide2026-04-27

Does Your Restaurant Need a Power Backup Generator? Size & Cost Guide

Power cuts can kill your restaurant's operations instantlyspoiled ingredients, halted orders, and frustrated customers. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, even scheduled outages can mean 5,000-15,000 in lost revenue per incident. A restaurant generator isn't a luxury; it's essential insurance for your business.

What Size Generator Do You Need?

Use this simple formula: Add up all equipment wattage (AC units, fridges, kitchen appliances, lighting) and multiply by 1.25 for safety margin. A typical 50-seater restaurant needs 15-25 kVA. Small cafes can manage with 7.5-10 kVA, while larger establishments require 30-40 kVA.

Diesel Generator Cost in India

Expect to pay 40,000-60,000 for a 7.5 kVA unit, 80,000-1.2 lakhs for 15 kVA, and 1.5-2.5 lakhs for 25 kVA diesel generators. Add 15,000-25,000 for installation and AMC costs of 8,000-12,000 annually.

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