Dear Campus Community,
Heating and ventilation will again be curtailed on the Berkeley campus during the period from the end of the business day Friday, December 20, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020. During the entire curtailment period, faculty and staff are encouraged to plan to be away from campus. Reducing energy and steam use during the winter break last year created cost savings to the campus of over $69,000 through energy reductions of 871,300 kWh and 28,870,000 lbs of steam. Units interested in curtailing energy for a longer period of time are also welcome to contact the Energy Office to schedule a longer setback period.
Exemption Requests
The savings and energy efficiency benefit from curtailment have been declining over the last few years as an increasing number of buildings opt out of the program. As a reminder, the savings are not just financial. The campus also reduces emissions from our cogeneration plant through this effort so we want to be as comprehensive as possible. Please consider whether an exemption is truly necessary before requesting one.
A revised procedure will consider ALL buildings for curtailment unless an exemption request is submitted. Only heat and ventilation will be curtailed; normal electric service will be maintained at all times. Heads of units with temperature-sensitive facilities, essential lab ventilation systems, and public service operations may request an exemption by completing the Request for Exemption Form. This form must be submitted no later than Friday, December 6, 2019. A final list of approved exemptions will be sent out after all requests are reviewed.
Requests for exemption will be considered on the following criteria:
- Controlled temperature area
- Operating chemical fume hoods
- Essential safety, security, or accounting operations
- Retail business
- Theater and sports events scheduled and contracted prior to the announcement of curtailment dates
- Essential medical facility
- Monitoring system needs
Labs and research buildings are expected to participate in energy curtailment. If necessary, please contact the Energy Office at energyoffice@berkeley.edu to discuss options.
Any technical questions regarding the curtailment should be directed to the Energy Office at the email address above. Policy or contract questions concerning curtailment should be directed to your Employee Relations Specialist.
Sincerely,
Sally McGarrahan
Associate Vice Chancellor
Facilities Services