July 24, 2025

Due to the hot/humid weather in the New England/Mid-Atlantic region, we have been advised that there could be a peak demand for electricity in New England on Friday, July 25.  

As part of the University’s ongoing effort to be responsible when it comes to energy use, we have developed an alert to notify faculty, staff and students when the electric grid in the northeast will be experiencing peak conditions. If we try to conserve energy during the times specified in these alerts, we help reduce the strain on the electric grid. These voluntary actions will also help lower the cost of electricity for the campus in future months. 

We ask that you take whatever steps you can by 4:45 p.m. on July 25 to help the University reduce energy consumption in the 5 to 8 p.m. window. Every contribution and action no matter how small helps us achieve a reduction.

The following are helpful ideas that will assist us with reducing demand:

• Turn off all office lights and hallway lights that are not needed.
• Turn off all unnecessary fans.
• Turn off all computers that are not necessary, including computers, printers or equipment that may be operating in laboratories or classrooms. If computers won’t be used for more than one hour, please turn them off.
• If you have an individual wall A/C unit that is in use, please increase the set point on the unit to 78 degrees. Also please shut off any unneeded air conditioning units and shut doors to any A/C space.
• Close blinds and shades where possible.
• Unplug any microwaves, coffee pots or other equipment with clocks in kitchen or common spaces.

Facilities may adjust buildings where central controls are in place, but generally these adjustments will be minor.  Certain buildings such as laboratories or where research is being performed will not be affected. If you have any specific heating and cooling building issues, please contact the Facilities Services Control Center at 874-4060.