I go around and around with clients about preventative maintenance, and replacing equipment BEFORE it self-destructs.
A typical converstation goes like this (this is a recent example):
Me: Your unit substation is in very bad shape. You need to replace it now.
Owner: We can't replace it, we don't have the money.
Me: You need to replace it now. You don't have the money not to replace it. Think about how much a prolonged shutdown for this unit will cost you.
Owner: We typically operate electrical equipment to failure.
Me: Is that a smart way to operate electrical equipment?
And on and on, ad nauseum.
Luckily, many/most operators of large privately owned plants stay on top of maintenance. The only plants that consistently use deferred maintenance are the politically operated facilities, and then it is a matter of politicians spending the money that should be used for preventative maintenance to buy votes.
Pat J