When the power goes out, water stops moving. Pumps fall silent, treatment processes stall and communities are left exposed. In an environment shaped by severe weather events, ageing grid infrastructure and the growing complexity of renewable inputs, reliable backup power is no longer optional for water utilities, it is essential.
That is where CAPS Australia has forged its position as more than an equipment supplier. According to CAPS Australia Operations Director Paul Goodwin, the company’s role is to be a complete power solutions partner.
“Uninterrupted power supplies are critical to the continual operation of essential infrastructure across the country,” Goodwin said.
“When the power goes out, operations stop. Our job is to ensure our customers have reliable, cost-effective energy solutions configured to their exact operating requirements – and the local support to keep them running.”
Global technology, engineered for Australian conditions
As part of global industrial company Ingersoll Rand, CAPS Australia delivers a large range of power generation, compressed air and gas generation solutions, with an extensive portfolio of products and brands.
In establishing its customer specific solutions, CAPS Australia draws on leading international brands including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Mitsubishi Generator Series, Airman, Teksan and Rehlko to deliver a broad range of generator and power options.
The Mitsubishi MGS-R series, manufactured in Japan, is engineered for rapid start-up within 10 seconds and can accept full load in a single step, a critical capability when pumping and treatment processes cannot tolerate extended downtime. Meanwhile, the Japanese-made quality of Airman box-type generators and compressors, built for heavy-duty outdoor use, with truck or trailer-mounted options means the equipment is suited for rapid deployment across large distribution networks.
But Goodwin emphasises that the real value lies in how that equipment is applied.
“Safety standards, environmental conditions, duty cycles and integration with existing processes all matter. We take the time to understand the facility and find a solution that fits technically, operationally and commercially,” he said.
CAPS Australia’s in-house engineering team designs complete power systems, supported by its Australian ISO9001-accredited manufacturing facility. Custom-built containerised and acoustic enclosures are matched to site and task, ensuring installations are robust enough for harsh climates, remote locations or space-constrained urban sites.
A single national partner
For utilities managing geographically dispersed assets, consistency of service is as important as equipment performance. With 10 branches nationwide, CAPS Australia provides a national footprint, ensuring technicians, parts and technical advice are available.
“Being a national provider means we’re working in the same time zones as our customers, and we understand their operating environments. We have the tools on hand to support them, whether that’s routine maintenance, emergency response or scaling up capacity,” Goodwin said.
CAPS Australia’s large rental fleet, positioned across Australia, supports short- and long-term projects, planned shutdowns and emergency situations. The company’s 24/7 breakdown service and technical phone support further reinforce its commitment to rapid response.
“Every minute waiting for answers costs money and increases risk. Our customers know they can get expert support when they need it,” Goodwin said.
Service as a critical asset
CAPS Australia’s approach extends beyond installation. Through its CAPS Care programs, the company delivers structured diagnostic and maintenance regimes designed to increase reliability, improve efficiency and reduce risk.
“Local servicing capability is as critical as the generator itself. Failing to adequately maintain equipment can reduce performance or lead to malfunction. Our technicians look at the bigger picture, not just the machine, but how it impacts productivity and the bottom line,” Goodwin said.
Powering resilient water operations
As utilities confront climate variability and rising service expectations, the need for dependable backup power has never been greater. CAPS Australia’s model of combining global technology with systems engineered for Australian conditions and backed by national, local service positions it as a long-term partner in resilience.
“As infrastructure becomes more complex, the risks associated with power disruption only increase. Our focus is on delivering the right solution and supporting it throughout its entire lifecycle. That’s what keeps water pumping and communities protected.”
For more information, visit www.caps.com.au
This article appears in the March/April 2026 edition of Utility. Subscribe HERE.
