Abstract
Abstract The study evaluates the performance and challenges of load-integrated emergency energy backup systems for critical facilities in the urban area of Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia. It highlights frequent power outages due to the aging of infrastructure, fault, and urban expansion, which significantly affect vital sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, and financial services. The research employed descriptive statistical methods, SPSS software, and stratified random sampling to analyze backup systems, including diesel generators (DG), solar photovoltaic (PV), and energy storage batteries. Results indicate that diesel generators dominate the zone comprising 90.8% of installed backup solutions, while PV and battery systems account for only 1.8% and 3.5% respectively. However, DGs incur significant shortcomings; an average of 2857.95 L of diesel fuel is consumed annually per unit of 63 KW, costing approximately 271,505.25ETB and generating excessive emissions, noise levels Surpassing WHO and NESREA standards, and environmental degradations. To address these issues, the study overwrites the existing system with a 79 KVA online uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to enhance reliability and degrade operational costs. Simulation and design results Confirm the system's technical and economic viability, projecting long-term savings of more than 2.76 million ETB over ten years and substantially mitigating environmental and health impacts. It provides sustainable and resilient energy for critical sectors in the Gedeo Zone.