Energy Alert Advisory – Conservation Actions Needed Through Wednesday
September 5, 2023 1:24 PM

Dear Campus Community, 

The hot and humid conditions over the next two days, combined with energy resource operation and availability, have the potential to set new peak usage levels for the fall. Presently, MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) is indicating that there are enough generation resources to maintain grid reliability. Because of the possibility of a peak period, Facilities & Services (F&S) requests the following support measures:

All academic and administrative units are strongly encouraged to review, activate, or develop Event Day Action Plans as a part of overall Electrical Grid Response Strategies. Action plans will strengthen protection for essential research, education, and engagement activities during peak periods, especially if any power disruptions were to occur on the regional grid.

F&S asks everyone to look for ways to conserve energy in their spaces and protect building systems and equipment against extreme heat. Every individual or departmental action can help make a difference by supporting overall university energy reduction efforts. Please consider using the following tips and best practices:

• Turn off lighting and reduce usage 
• Shut off, Shut down, or put into sleep mode electronic equipment, such as computers, monitors, and printers
• Ensure outside windows and doors are properly closed
• Clean out, close, or shut off fume hoods 
• Eliminate the use of any nonessential devices wherever practical

REPORTING HOT/COLD ISSUES
Remember to contact the F&S Energy Management Control Center (EMCC) fandsenergycomm@illinois.edu, 217-244-3783, to report any hot/cold issues in campus facilities as soon as those situations are discovered. Facility managers and liaisons should also collaborate with departments to review current occupancy scheduling options in building spaces and coordinate with the EMCC on managing mechanical systems around expected periods of decreased building activity.

SUBMITTING WORK ORDERS
Service requests should be directed to the F&S Service Office fsserviceoffice@illinois.edu, 217-333-0340, by an authorized departmental contact. If a critical situation requires immediate action, requests should be called in. On weekends or designated campus holidays, calls are transferred to the Division of Public Safety dispatch.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated in reducing energy use wherever possible during these periods.

Sincerely,

Ehab Kamarah, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director, Facilities & Services