Jill Blackwelder, UC Davis’ associate vice chancellor for facilities, this week sat down with Dateline to talk about how the campus is coping in the midst of California’s energy crisis.
She recently provided an update on the campus response to the electricity and natural gas crunch to the Council of Deans and Vice Chancellors. And her department plans to keep the campus updated as energy reduction measures are developed.
• Q: How is UC Davis affected by the current spike in electricity costs?
A: The majority of the core campus receives its electrical power from the Western Area Power Administration, a U.S. Department of Energy division. Our long-term contract with WAPA insulates us from the current price hikes, though that may change. Our contract terms change in July 2001 and December 2004.
UC Davis purchases market rate power from Pacific Gas & Electric to serve outlying areas of the campus. Unless crucial emergency services are located there, these portions of the university could be hit by blackouts.
PG&E rates could rise between 30 and 60 percent over the current rate freeze. This year, the campus expects to purchase $8 million in electricity, up from $7 million in 2000.
• Q: How does the campus’s co-generation plant aid in keeping electricity costs down?
A: During the peak time of summer, when supplies are traditionally low, having our own electricity source–producing our own power–is more economical than purchasing it. At peak usage times, power is the most expensive.
• Q: Consumers are already paying more for natural gas. Is that true at UC Davis as well?
A: Yes. Campus gas purchases are made through a state Department of General Services contract. The pricing is set monthly. We are in the midst of negotiating an annual contract. No matter what, UC Davis’ costs are expected to skyrocket this year. We spent $4 million in 2000 on natural gas purchases. In 2001 purchases are expected to total between $9 million and $13 million.
• Q: We’ve heard about the short-term measures employees can take to reduce energy usage on campus. What campus-wide solutions does UC Davis have in the works?
A: Over the next month, facilities staff plans to meet with each division and college to propose some energy conservation techniques appropriate for their area. Suggestions will include measures employees can take on their own as well as larger physical modifications, like changing lights in a building. We won’t make changes until we consult with those affected.
• Q: How about long-term solutions to prevent another crisis like this?
A: The university will make a practice of negotiating contracts for natural gas and electricity purchases with an eye toward achieving a balance of price predictability and reliability of supply. The campus is also planning to build a thermal energy storage plant, as well as considering expansion of the co-generation plant.
The storage plant will open in the fall. It will allow the university to store chilled water, using it to cool buildings during the day. With the new plant, water will only need to be chilled at night, when electricity rates and demand for air conditioning are low.
We’ll also be making sure our new and remodeled buildings meet current energy efficiency requirements. The university also plans to pursue funding to retrofit outdated buildings and equipment.
• Q: Where can people go for more information on the campus’s response to the power crunch?
A: Go to www-pplant.ucdavis.edu/energy/. Developing an effective communication plan is a long-term goal as well.