Energy News
Consumption Down, Cost Up
August 2009 - UAHuntsville is happy to report that our energy conservation
programs are showing positive results. Electricity and water
consumption were down for the period July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, as compared
to the same period one year earlier. Electricity use (actual kilowatt hours used)
was down by approximately 6.4%, and water use was down by almost 16%. Natural gas
consumption was up by a small 2.3%, however this increase was partially offset by
a reduction in heating oil use. Sewage disposal expenses were down by
almost 12%.
UAHuntsville cannot lose focus of our energy conservation efforts, however.
The reduction in electricity consumption was offset by
recent rate increases from TVA and Huntsville Utilities. Electricity
rates increased by 20% in October 2008 as TVA implemented its largest rate increase in 30 years. As a
result and despite a significant reduction in energy consumption, UAHuntsville's electricity costs
rose by approximately 11%. UAHuntsville paid an average $0.0867 per kilowatt hour in 2008-2009
vs. an average $0.0732 for the same period in 2007-2008.
While UAHuntsville achieved a notable reduction in consumption, in light of last year's
electricity rate increase and continued concerns of shrinking budgets, it is increasingly
important for the University community to strengthen its energy conservation efforts.
Utilities expenses are a sizeable portion of the university's overall budget.
The goal for 2009 was to reduce utilities expenses by 10%, but with the rate increase,
total actual costs rose by 8.3% to an all-time high of $5.46 million dollars.
Help your university continue efforts to reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
For more information and a three-year comparison of UAHuntsville's utilities use and expenses,
click here.
UAHuntsville's First Annual Christmas Break Energy Savings Plan Nets Large Savings
February 2009 - UAHuntsville's first
Christmas Break Energy Savings Plan has proven successful. Utilities expenses for the
two week period were down $25,000 from the prior year. With record
utilities rates, increased campus population and building development, this savings
is a great first step
towards reducing our energy consupmtion and carbon emissions footprint.
All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to continue their energy conservation efforts.
Not only will you be helping to sustain and protect our environment, but in these times of
shrinking budgets you will also be helping to protect and sustain our University.
Space Heater Policy
November 2008 - The University would like to remind all faculty and staff that the
use of personal space heaters
is not allowed under current UAHuntsville energy policies. As utility costs continue to increase
for the University, it is increasingly important that everyone works to reduce energy consumption. Space heaters are inefficient and consume excessive amounts of electricity. If your office or
building is below the target temperatures of 69-71 degrees F, please submit a Work Order request to Facililties Maintenance. If
supplemental heating is required until repairs can be made, Facilities will issue a temporary space
heater. For more information on the University's space heater policy, you may view it
here.
TVA Approves Largest Rate Increase in 34 Years
August 2008 - Electricity rates are increasing by 20%. This will have a tremendous impact on UAHuntsville.
Read the full TVA press release here: Rate
Increase Article
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