The Energy Office tracks, monitors, and manages energy usage campus-wide to reduce energy costs; improve design, performance, and operation of buildings; and provide feedback on energy usage to building occupants. We continuously monitor the operations and maintenance of campus facilities and are in contact with Building Managers regarding their facilities’ operation and utility consumption.
Electricity Demand Reduction Days
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, UCB is participating in a statewide Demand Response program.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. 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.
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June 8
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August 10
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October 12
How are we doing this and why is it important?
UC Berkeley is taking direct action 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. For more information contact the Energy Office at energyoffice@berkeley.edu
Clean Energy Campus
Within eight years, Berkeley plans to switch to a new clean and resilient energy system that will phase out fossil fuels and demonstrate cutting-edge technologies and creative financing. For decades, Berkeley has led the world in climate solution technology and policy research. Now, the campus will be powered by an energy system that sets the standard in sustainable, resilient infrastructure. If you want to learn more about this initiative, visit Berkeley Clean Energy Campus.
Winter Break Curtailment Success!
Each winter break the Energy Office works with the EMS, Stationary Engineers, and Electric shops to turn down buildings to save energy. Lighting, ventilation and heating are turned off or set back for about a week and a half each year. Previously (2021-22), curtailment saved 815,611 kWh of electricity and 3,552,994 lbs of steam. Compared to the prior month’s baseline, electric use was 13.6% lower and steam use was 10.0% lower when normalized for weather. Together these savings totaled $174,926 and 516 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. With labor costs of just $15,000, the ROI was 1,116%! See more on our full curtailment report.
