On Aug. 28, in the middle of an excessive heat advisory, the university community received an email detailing the implementation of energy-conserving measures, such as turning off the air conditioning units.
As counterproductive as it may seem, turning the air conditioning units off would actually benefit the university―and the community―in the long run.
According to Paul Matthews, director of Facilities Management, the university, along with multiple other businesses, is under a “demand response contract,” which obligates businesses to reach a certain energy usage point in a crisis. Through this, businesses “shed load” to reduce power usage and not overtax the grid, which could affect the entirety of the state.
In a situation where the grid is in danger of being at maximum capacity, businesses would be asked to “shed load” to avoid a brownout, a total loss of electricity.
Matthews also said in the case the university is asked to “shed load,” though the air conditioning units would be off, the university’s buildings are able to retain cool air for several hours.
The units, and anything else not deemed a priority, such as extra lights, would be off for two to four hours in a normal scenario. The longest they have been off is about a day and a half.
Not only does the contract benefit the community, but the university also financially benefits.
According to Matthews, the university is paid for its participation. This money goes towards green or sustainable energy initiatives on campus, such as switching from fluorescent bulbs to LEDs in buildings, a student intern for sustainability or the rain collection system behind the College Avenue apartments.
Most students interviewed felt the email didn’t particularly affect them. The students understood the lack of air conditioning was a necessary sacrifice, while others were slightly upset over it.
If the university would need to preserve energy during another hot week, Matthews advises students to turn off or unplug unnecessary appliances, such as coffee pots and lights, shut doors and close blinds to stay cool.
