In 2012, Case Western Reserve University joined a voluntary electricity-reduction program to reduce energy usage and prevent massive electrical shutdowns, or “blackouts.” In order to prepare for an event, Energy Curtailment Specialists have requested the university perform a test of the program on Monday, Sept. 15, from noon to 1 p.m.
During that time, CWRU Facilities Services requests members of the university community reduce demand by turning off (or not using) non-essential equipment. This includes:
- Turning off lights or window air conditioners in unoccupied spaces
- Turning off desk lamps, or turn on desk lamps and turn off overhead lights
- Running laptop computers on battery power
- Unplugging all chargers that are not in use (for example: cell phones, laptops, iPads, etc.)
- Powering down computers, copiers and other electronic devices during lunch, and shut off power strips.
There will be a minimal impact on the campus as a whole, as the facilities department will launch campus emergency generators and use the central energy-management system to turn off portions of lighting and public areas.
The one-hour test aims to confirm to the program operators that Case Western Reserve can meet its energy-reduction goals if requested during an emergency.