College Energy Costs to Increase by at Least $1 Million
Carly McFerren
Issue date: 12/10/09 Section: News
Both Shafer and Markley say that using both electricity and propane is best for the college. "We're trying to put in the most efficient dual source systems," Shafer says.
Markley says he recently negotiated a two year contract with PPL and Sempra, Messiah College's energy providers. He explains that the college will pay a set amount for the next two years: "If we don't use all of the electricity, Sempra will sell it and give us the profit."
Messiah College residents and staff can help energy costs as well, Shafer says. "It's not just students but the campus community. . . It relates to our commitment to sustainability." She says that empty offices are lit until 10 p.m. and computers are on all day.
"We want to encourage everyone to think about how much they use energy," Shafer says. She suggests that students be aware of their personal choices. Students should be conscious of leaving their VCRs or TVs on and turn them off when not in use. To further reduce energy, students should not leave the window open while the heat is on and should shorten their showers.
Shafer says that plugged in appliances use energy, even if they are not turned on.
Shafer also says that, in the spring, the operations department will be starting a "Turn It Off" campaign. The campaign will include a website for students to share ideas about installing cost efficient utilities, reducing energy, and problems they encounter in doing so.
The campus community is encouraged to reduce their energy use and the administration will explore other ways to lower costs. "We're not going to penalize students," Shafer says, but "we would really like to see a grass roots movement make recommendations."
Shafer says that it is important for students to get involved. "For seniors, it's particularly important because they'll be living on their own soon."
Shafer also explains that students will not have to make drastic changes to reduce the use of energy: "We want to be cost effective, but we're not doing anything to jeopardize life safety or standards of living."
Markley says he recently negotiated a two year contract with PPL and Sempra, Messiah College's energy providers. He explains that the college will pay a set amount for the next two years: "If we don't use all of the electricity, Sempra will sell it and give us the profit."
Messiah College residents and staff can help energy costs as well, Shafer says. "It's not just students but the campus community. . . It relates to our commitment to sustainability." She says that empty offices are lit until 10 p.m. and computers are on all day.
"We want to encourage everyone to think about how much they use energy," Shafer says. She suggests that students be aware of their personal choices. Students should be conscious of leaving their VCRs or TVs on and turn them off when not in use. To further reduce energy, students should not leave the window open while the heat is on and should shorten their showers.
Shafer says that plugged in appliances use energy, even if they are not turned on.
Shafer also says that, in the spring, the operations department will be starting a "Turn It Off" campaign. The campaign will include a website for students to share ideas about installing cost efficient utilities, reducing energy, and problems they encounter in doing so.
The campus community is encouraged to reduce their energy use and the administration will explore other ways to lower costs. "We're not going to penalize students," Shafer says, but "we would really like to see a grass roots movement make recommendations."
Shafer says that it is important for students to get involved. "For seniors, it's particularly important because they'll be living on their own soon."
Shafer also explains that students will not have to make drastic changes to reduce the use of energy: "We want to be cost effective, but we're not doing anything to jeopardize life safety or standards of living."
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