URGENT - Notification of Automatic Cooling Load Shedding Today and Call for Campuswide Voluntary Conservation and Energy Production

Please be advised that a cooling demand reduction is needed until 9 p.m. today due to high heat and humidity that are straining our cooling systems. In response to the significant heat wave, Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a State of Emergency to temporarily increase energy production and reduce demand. California Independent System Operator (CAISO) issued a state-wide call for voluntary electricity conservation today from 49 p.m., which will likely continue with similar daily calls through the end of Friday, September 9.

While we are currently planning to limit this cooling load shed until 9 p.m. today, we may need to continue, pending ongoing weather conditions. Critical areas across campus have been reviewed with departmental staff and will not be impacted. Spaces that normally remain in “occupied” mode 24/7, will not be affected.

HVAC systems will go into “unoccupied” mode for most administrative, office, and other non-critical areas campuswide. For lab areas, while lab airflow will not be impacted, temperature setpoints will be allowed to range between 68°F and 78°F.

In response to CAISO call for increased energy production during the designated period, the campus will operate its emergency generators to supplement the local grid with as much as 14 MW of electricity or enough to power up to 10,500 homes.

High power demand will put a strain on both the State’s electric system and the SDG&E regional grid. While our microgrid system that extends from east campus to Scripps Institution of Oceanography protects the campus from grid instability, we are taking measures to minimize campus energy consumption during this time.

We urge the campus community, while on campus and at home, to take these recommended actions:

Turn off non-essential lighting and unplug non-essential plug loads.
Close fume hood sashes.
Consider delaying new projects/experiments until high temperatures subside and energy systems are more stable.
Defer use of major equipment and appliances. Avoid use of cold rooms, environmental rooms, ovens, autoclaves, dishwashers, MRI magnets, electron microscopes and other energy-intensive research and computational equipment.
Unplug laptops, allowing them to run on battery power and recharge them at night.
Turn off computer monitors when you leave for the day.
Close blinds and drapes.
If thermostats can be accessed/changed, raise thermostat settings to recommended minimum of 78°F or higher and use fans as an alternative when possible.
Limit how long refrigerator and freezer doors are open.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Facilities Management Customer Relations Help Desk at wsc@ucsd.edu, or (858) 534-2930. Thank you for your cooperation.

Stephen B. Jackson
Associate Vice Chancellor
Resource Management & Planning