December 15, 2008

California State University, Fresno was one of 11 CSU campuses that participated in the state’s Flex Your Power campaign to reduce electricity demand by up to 3 megawatts during critical energy demand times through summer 2008.

The CSU campuses shut down or reduced the use of electricity-hungry systems during critical energy demand periods called by the California Independent System Operator, which manages the state's power grid. Flex Your Power is part of the Clean Green California program, which recognized the CSU with an honorable mention award for its efforts.

“With California’s power grid stretched to the breaking point every summer, the CSU has stepped up its commitment as part of the solution by flexing our power,” said Len Pettis, CSU chief of plant, energy and utilities.

Fresno State has undertaken numerous energy-saving initiatives, including solar-panel arrays on parking shelters, arrays that generate more than a megawatt of electricity, which is about 20 percent of campus demand.

Each summer, the university operates on an earlier schedule to keep power use to a minimum during late afternoon and early evening hours, when statewide demand peaks. Fresno State also deploys students, called Energy Bulldogs, each summer to look for lights, office equipment and air conditioners that can be turned off and unnecessary electricity use that can be stopped.

One result of the Energy Bulldogs program has been saving hundreds of thousands of dollars on summer power bills, said Dick Smith, the university’s utility management director. He added that Fresno State has undertaken many other programs over the years to reduce power on a year-round basis and to involve students so they’ll make energy conservation a lifelong habit.

“As a leader in the community, charged with educating the workforce of the future, the CSU is proud to be proactive in preserving and promoting a sustainable environment,” said Pettis. “The Clean Green California program helps prevent power blackouts and promotes intelligent use of existing resources.”