SUBJECT:

Summer Energy Conservation

California has set record highs for peak electrical demand during the month of July as reported by the California Independent Systems Operator (ISO), the electrical grid manager. Fortunately, the state had adequate reserves to meet the demand, but continued summer heat means that the UCSD community must be prepared to respond to grid emergencies to help avoid rolling blackouts.

Your conservation efforts and reduction in all aspects of UCSD energy use can make a difference in preventing electrical emergencies. Visit http://blink.ucsd.edu/go/energyoverview to find out what you can do to conserve energy and what you should do during a rolling blackout. We also recommend that you review your department's Emergency Action Plan with your supervisor to determine how your area will respond to a power-loss situation.

The ISO will issue warnings in three stages and UCSD will relay these warnings to the campus. We urge you to take the following actions at each stage:

* Stage 1 - Voluntary load reduction: Turn off all unnecessary lights and equipment within your control (fans, coffee machines, microwaves, etc.). If possible, do not start sensitive work.

* Stage 2 - Forced load reduction: UCSD will engage a global load-shedding program to reduce air conditioning loads in non-critical areas. Safely secure all sensitive work.

* Stage 3 - Blackout is imminent: This is your last chance to safely secure and save sensitive work.

If the ISO issues a rolling blackout, UCSD will only receive a 15-minute warning from SDGE. Therefore, your actions during Stage 1 and Stage 2 alerts are crucial.

Thank you for helping UCSD conserve energy. If you have questions or require further assistance, please contact Physical Plant Services Customer Relations Manager, Wendy Schiefer at wschiefer@ucsd.edu or x40317 or Campus Energy Manager, John Dilliott at jdilliott@ucsd.edu or x22807.

Russell Thackston Director Physical Plant Services