Dear Campus Community,
As part of UC Berkeley’s continued sustainability efforts and to help the electric grid during periods of peak demand when the grid has a higher mix of fossil fuel generation, we need your help!
From 4:00-8:00PM on the following Wednesdays, we plan on reducing campus energy consumption to help our surrounding community and enhance grid reliability:
- June 8
- August 10
- October 12
Some building comfort-cooling systems may be set back during this time period in order to reduce campus electricity load. Research spaces should not be affected.
Follow the easy steps below to help us meet our environmental and sustainability goals:
- Turn off all unnecessary lighting.
- Turn off and unplug appliances not in use.
How are we doing this and why is it important?
UC Berkeley is taking direct action with a Demand Response Program to reduce the emissions from peaking power plants this summer and hedge against the risk of blackouts. Events are signaled by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and calls upon significant energy users (like UCB) to reduce electricity consumption during times of peak demand to maintain grid reliability, prevent rolling blackouts, and avoid activating peaker power plants, which are extremely inefficient and environmentally harmful. By reducing our demand during the afternoon on these three (3) days this summer, UCB also enables other critical communities to continue to receive power.
Your energy curtailment and participation during these events will directly contribute to the success of these vital sustainability efforts.
Thank you for your help! For more information contact the Energy Office at energyoffice@berkeley.edu
Sincerely,