Super Bowl Viewing Disruption: Plan Now for Potential Power Outages

As Super Bowl LXI approaches this Sunday, February 9th, businesses across Hawaii, particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors, face a tangible risk of revenue loss and operational disruption due to potential widespread power outages. While not a new phenomenon, the timing of these outages during a high-traffic event requires immediate attention and contingency planning for small business operators and tourism providers.

The Change

Localized and widespread power outages have become an increasingly common occurrence across the Hawaiian Islands due to aging infrastructure, severe weather events, and vegetation interference. The Hawaiian Electric Company regularly issues advisories and reports on outage causes and restoration times. While specific predictions for Sunday are impossible, the potential for an outage during the Super Bowl viewing period remains a critical business risk. This isn't a policy change but an ongoing infrastructure reality that demands proactive preparation for a key consumer event.

Who's Affected

Small Business Operators (e.g., Restaurants, Bars, Retail Stores):

For businesses expecting a surge in Super Bowl-related traffic, power outages translate directly into lost sales and customer dissatisfaction. A restaurant reliant on its kitchen and television screens for business could face complete operational shutdown. Similarly, retail stores may not be able to process transactions or maintain a safe, lit environment.

• Financial Impact: Potential for 10-30% loss of expected Super Bowl Sunday revenue.
• Operational Impact: Inability to serve customers, process payments, or maintain essential services.
• Reputational Impact: Negative customer experiences leading to poor online reviews and reduced future patronage.

Tourism Operators (e.g., Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Sports Bars):

Hotels and vacation rental managers are expected to cater to guests seeking to watch major sporting events. An inability to provide this service due to power outages can significantly impact guest satisfaction and a business's reputation.

• Guest Satisfaction: Compromised viewing experiences can lead to complaints and service recovery costs.
• Secondary Revenue Loss: Reduced demand for food and beverage services typically associated with major game viewings.
• Competitive Disadvantage: Guests may seek out accommodations or venues that can guarantee uninterrupted viewing.

Second-Order Effects

In Hawaii's island economy, the ripple effects of critical infrastructure failures like power outages are amplified:

• Power Outages → Dependent Businesses Fail → Reduced Local Spending → Strained Supplier Networks: A localized outage can cause multiple businesses to cease operations, leading to a sharp decline in immediate local spending. This, in turn, can strain the cash flow of suppliers who rely on timely payments from these businesses, creating a cascading effect on the local economy.
• Power Outages → Tourism Dissatisfaction → Negative Reviews → Decreased Visitor Numbers → Reduced Foreign Exchange: For tourism operators, an inability to provide basic amenities like power for entertainment can lead to immediate guest complaints and negative online reviews. In an industry highly sensitive to reputation, this can deter future bookings, impacting the crucial flow of foreign exchange into the state.

What to Do

Given the imminent Super Bowl and the existing risk of power outages, businesses must take immediate steps to mitigate potential losses.

For Small Business Operators:

1. Assess Backup Power Needs: If electronic equipment (POS systems, kitchen appliances, lighting, TVs) is critical, investigate portable generator rental or ensure any existing backup generator is fully functional and fueled. For a single event like the Super Bowl, renting may be more cost-effective than purchasing.
2. Alternative Viewing Strategies: If a full outage is likely, consider partnering with a nearby establishment that has confirmed backup power or arranging for portable satellite viewing units if feasible for your venue type.
3. Cash Handling Preparedness: Ensure you have a manual system for processing cash transactions if POS systems go down. Inform staff of the backup cash handling procedures.
4. Guest Communication Plan: Prepare a brief, apologetic message for customers in case of an outage, perhaps offering a discount on a future visit. Communicate any backup plans clearly to staff.

For Tourism Operators (Hotels, Vacation Rentals):

1. Backup Viewing Solutions: Many higher-end hotels already have backup generators. Assess if these adequately power common area viewing screens or can be rerouted to guest rooms. For vacation rentals, consider investing in battery-powered portable projectors or large screen tablets for common areas.
2. Staff Training: Ensure front desk and concierge staff are trained on how to handle guest concerns regarding potential outages and what alternative viewing options (if any) can be offered.
3. Emergency Communication: Have a plan to communicate potential issues to guests proactively, perhaps via in-room messaging or a hotel app, and inform them of any alternative viewing arrangements.
4. Local Partnerships: Explore arrangements with local sports bars or venues that have confirmed backup power to offer guests an alternative viewing location as a courtesy.

KHON2 News reported on contingency plans for home viewers, which can offer insights for businesses as well. Source