Update: At 6:45 PM FMS was informed that the grid emergency had ended. FMS HVAC technicians are restoring normal service to campus buildings. Thanks to all who reduiced their electrical demand during this event.
Marty
To: All Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh Students, Faculty and Staff
From: Facilities Management Services
Subject Line: Peak Demand Electricity Management Event – September 11, 2013
Dear Members of the University Community:
Carnegie Mellon University has been asked to reduce electricity demand from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM today, Wednesday, September 11, 2013. FMS actions in support of this request will affect only main campus buildings south of Forbes Avenue and east of Junction Hollow and the hill dormitories. While our formal commitment only applies to these buildings, the need to reduce electricity use is region-wide. Occupants of all University buildings should do what they can to minimize electricity consumption during this period.
During this period FMS personnel will be turning off air conditioning systems in unoccupied spaces and will allow temperatures to vary more widely than usual in non-critical occupied spaces.
We ask for your cooperation in this effort by:
Turning off lights and equipment such as window air conditioners and computers if you can manage to continue your normal tasks without them and when you leave for the day.
Not open windows, let us know if you are too cold by calling 8-2910 and FMS will make adjustments (reduce air flow first, then raise discharge temps)
And we are asking for you to call or e-mail if your department’s large rooms are not occupied during this time and FMS AC mechanics will program the thermostats to reduce the cooling.
Our goal is to keep load below 11 MW. Although maintaining reliability on the electric grid is our major driver in participating in this test, there are also financial and environmental incentives for minimizing our impact during peak periods.
For further information, or if you have any questions, please contact Kyle Tomer at kt2n@andrew.cmu.edu or Marty Altschul at ma3q@andrew.cmu.edu. Thank you for your cooperation.
Martin H. Altschul, PE
University Engineer
Facilities Management Services
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 268-2529