Final answer:
The 'Utility services - time element' endorsement would cover Sam's Dry Cleaners for the loss of business caused by the power outage due to a lightning strike at the power station.
Step-by-step explanation:
To cover the loss of business due to a power outage caused by a lightning strike at the power station, Sam's Dry Cleaners would require the Utility services - time element endorsement on their insurance policy. This endorsement is specifically designed to protect businesses against losses when utilities such as electric, water, or communication services are interrupted because of damage to property away from the insured's premises that prevents the operation of the business. Unlike the Equipment breakdown option, which covers the insured's own equipment, or Protective safeguards and Ordinance or law endorsements, which pertain to other specific situations, the Utility services - time element endorsement addresses the exact scenario faced by Sam's Dry Cleaners.
When asking What causes a power outage?, it's important to note that power outages can happen for various reasons. An outage occurs when electrons moving through wires are interrupted, stopping the electrical current from flowing to devices such as radios or, in Sam's case, dry cleaning equipment. Lightning strikes are common causes of such interruptions, significantly impacting businesses.