Posted on Aug. 21: Power conservation efforts continue

All power conservation efforts at McMaster continue to be a top priority.

There is a strong possibility of rotating blackouts today throughout the province. Employees are asked to cut back even more than the last few days wherever possible at home as well as the office.

The University's Physical Plant staff are continuing to cap the amount of chilled water that drives the air cooling systems on campus. Combined with continued hot temperatures outside, employees should expect offices and buildings to be warmer today than yesterday.

Everyone is encouraged to take breaks from warm work areas, reduce lighting and equipment that draw power and give off heat, and drink lots of water.

Physical Plant staff are touring all campus buildings to help reduce power consumption and respond to staff inquiries. Some of the older buildings have had lights remain on in hallways because they are not wired to provide light switches accessible in public areas. As Physical Plant staff go through each building they will be making the necessary adjustments to turn off some of these lights that are not needed. Some internal and external lighting cannot be turned off because of integrated wiring or programming. Physical Plant is aware of these specific situations.

It is important that all power is shut off at the end of the day, including lights, computers, photocopiers and fans. The last person out of the office at the end of the day is requested to ensure all power has been shut off.

McMaster is fortunate to have the peak generating plant to supplement the University's essential power requirements during this crisis period. Physical Plant is addressing noise concerns produced by the generators by establishing a noise abatement plan, which is expected to be in place within the next few days.

In cutting back on its power consumption, McMaster is providing enough electricity back to the power grid to feed a quarter of the size of Ancaster, says Al Paskevicius, manager of Physical Plant Utility Services.

The University is generating an average of four to five megawatts of excess power than during a typical workday, he explains, noting this is being fed back onto the Hydro One grid.

This summer, McMaster acquired three temporary generators from the province, located on the northeast corner of campus. Typically, the generators supply up to 80 per cent of the peak energy demand at McMaster, or about 22 megawatts. This week, however, because of energy conservation efforts, the University is using about 16.5 megawatts of demand.

But today and Thursday are going to be the real test, says Paskevicius. Temperatures are expected to reach 30 degrees Wednesday and 32 degrees Thursday. A smog advisory also is in effect. Everyone is asked to continue to be conservative in their power usage, says Paskevicius. “It is important the University continue to conserve energy throughout this week,” he says.

Director of Physical Plant Tony Cupido appreciates everyone's efforts in helping reduce power consumption during this crisis period. “The University community has done a tremendous job in helping us get through this emergency situation,” says Cupido, “and we ask that you continue to conserve energy wherever possible over the warm days ahead.”