Energy Alert – Take Action to Conserve Energy Due to High Temperatures
July 27, 2021 10:17 AM

Because of the extreme heat forecasted for the Midwest this week and anticipated high electric demand on the regional grid, Facilities & Services (F&S) is designating today through Wednesday, July 28, as an Energy Alert period for the Urbana campus.

F&S asks that all students, faculty, and staff in university facilities help maximize unit and individual energy conservation efforts, especially between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m., when demand is typically the greatest. Please take additional actions to conserve energy.

Turn it off!
If practical, shut off, shut down, sleep mode, or unplug the following:

• Lights
• Computers
• Monitors
• Printers
• Chargers
• Appliances
• Other nonessential equipment

Keep it closed!
Close the following items to protect facility equipment and systems:    

• Outside windows and doors in air conditioned areas
• Fume hood sashes when not in use
• Window shades to ensure rooms stay cool

Why is taking action during Energy Alerts important?
Abbott Power Plant generates approximately half of the campus’ electricity through an efficient cogeneration process, which simultaneously produces both steam and electricity. The remainder of the power needed to support teaching and research activities is purchased from the regional grid.

The hot and humid conditions over the next two days, combined with energy resource availability, have the potential to set new peak usage levels for this year. As a participant in the electric market, the university pays a capacity charge based on usage at the moment of the peak demand load. This capacity charge is incorporated into the campus utility rate, and adjustments can potentially lead to increased electrical prices for the university.

Who answers temperature-related questions?
Please contact the F&S Energy Management Control Center fandsenergycomm@illinois.edu, 217-244-3783, regarding any hot/cold issues in campus facilities. The center features enhanced data monitoring and integrated building system automation to perform diagnostics and assist with operational response.

Thank you for helping to reduce our electrical demand during these peak periods. Conserving energy is everyone’s responsibility and at the core of our commitment to sustainability on campus.

Dr. Ehab Kamarah
Interim Executive Director, Facilities & Services