F&S OrganizationEnergy Alert Advisory – Take Conservation Action
Aug 31, 2023 | 11:20 am
Extreme Heat Will Reactivate Aggressive Campus Energy Conservation Strategies
The National Weather Service is forecasting heat index values of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit for Central Illinois, beginning Sunday and through Wednesday next week. In anticipation of increased electrical demand across the Midwest that may lead to another peak usage period, F&S is reactivating campuswide energy reduction strategies and readying proactive measures to conserve electrical load, if necessary.
Ahead of this stretch of higher-than-typical temperatures, departments, colleges, institutes, and units are asked to curtail energy usage within facilities. 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. The elevated risk of future power disruptions may necessitate shutting down lower-priority facility areas if emergency conditions arise on the regional grid. Action plans will strengthen protection for essential research, educational, and engagement activities.
Before leaving campus facilities for the holiday weekend, F&S also asks everyone to look for ways to conserve energy in their spaces and protect building systems and equipment against the 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 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 and helping F&S staff safeguard campus facilities and systems over this period. Feel free to share this reminder with others who can help take action in your area.
