University electric bill lights up area

Large quantity of energy required to fulfill student needs has dramatically risen through the years.

Imagine getting an electric bill for $12.5 million -- the University does.

The University requires a huge quantity of energy to provide for the needs of its students. Starting from a total energy bill of $708.62 in 1859, the use of energy has grown steadily throughout the University's history.

During the last 10 years, the cost of energy consumption at the University has continued to grow, even though the student population has remained relatively constant. In 1996, the cost of supplying energy to the University reached a total of about $12.5 million, and many students would be surprised to learn that about 8.2 percent of the cost of room and board goes into utility payments.

The widespread use of electronic devices is one of the causes of this increase, said Paul Ruskin, communications coordinator for the Office of Physical Plant. Whereas 10 years ago students were lucky to own more than a typewriter and alarm clock, students today often use personal computers, laser printers, cordless phones and space heaters -- all of which consume a great deal of energy.

OPP has initiated a variety of measures to help save energy. For instance, motion detectors have been installed at Willard Building, which automatically shut off lights in empty rooms. In the lobby of Kern Building, fluorescent light bulbs have been replaced by T-8 bulbs, which consume electricity more efficiently. Inefficient exit signs all over campus are also being replaced by signs utilizing the latest technology in energy conservation., Ruskin said.

Considerable savings are made during the winter vacation, when the temperature in the dorms and University buildings is lowered to about 55 degrees. During the last break a total of $160,157 in energy costs was saved.

Students can contribute to lowering electricity costs by becoming aware of their own contribution to energy usage, Ruskin said. Turning off lights in empty rooms can save thousands of dollars of utility costs. Shutting down personal computers overnight both saves electricity and extends the lifetime of the computer. Computer monitors, which consume a great deal of energy, should be turned off when they are not in use.

Autumn Hanna, co-director of Eco-Action, encourages students to save energy by recycling and lowering consumption. The environmentalist group has undertaken several projects to make this easier for students. One of Eco-Action's current projects is to install recycling bins on every floor of every dorm. The group is also campaigning to reduce the use of Styrofoam products on campus, Hanna said.

But above all, Eco-Action seeks to educate students about their personal contribution to energy use and waste.

"You really have to change people's minds," Hanna said. "You can't just tell them what to do."