Purdue News

July 30, 1999 Purdue curbs power usage to help with shortage WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue University has cut back air-conditioning to its buildings and asked all of its employees to turn off any unnecessary electrical equipment in response to a request from the area's electrical supplier, Cinergy, said Joseph Mikesell, Purdue's director of utilities. Cinergy called on its customers to voluntary curtail electricity usage in the face of record-level demand brought on by the heat wave that has hung over the eastern United States for the past several days. In a news release, Cinergy said the heat wave has stressed all electric companies east of the Mississippi, creating narrow reserve margins and stressed transmission systems. Cinergy has warned that rotating blackouts can be anticipated this afternoon. In addition to shutting off lights and turning back air-conditioning settings to 78 degrees, people are urged to do the following: Close blinds and curtains, especially on the south side of buildings. Opt for fans instead of air-conditioning. Close air registers in unused rooms and shut the door. Turnoff swimming pool pumps and filters. Purdue supplies the majority of its own power, but also uses some electricity supplied by Cinergy. While the university is cutting back, it is not dismissing classes or employees. "That wouldn't save energy," said Wayne Kjonaas, vice president for physical facilities. "People would just go home and need to use electricity there." Source: Joseph Mikesell, (765) 494-7327 Writer: Jeanne Norberg, (765) 494-2084; jeanne_norberg@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page