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Campus Energy Use

University of Oregon Electricity Facts

In 2003...

  • The University of Oregon used 45 million KWh of electricity.
    That equals the use of 3,600 average Eugene residences.
  • Electricity cost 2.1 million dollars.
    That averaged to a daily cost of over 5,500 dollars.
  • Each student paid 20 dollars a term for an energy surcharge fee (part of student fees).
  • The energy surcharge fee covered over 50% of the electric bill.
  • The University of Oregon was EWEB's 3rd largest customer.

 

Energy Use at the U of O

Electricity

Measured in Kilowatt hours (KWh)

Accounts for 22.5% of energy use

Cost $ 2.1 million in 2003

87% purchased directly from EWEB
(information on the source)

To reduce cost 13% is generated from natural gas at the U of O facilities plant.

Used for
General electric demands
Cooling

Electric use meters are available for individual campus buildings

Natural Gas

Measured in British Thermal Units (BTU)

Accounts for 77.5% of energy use

Cost $ 2.3 million in 2003

Purchased from Northwest and PG&E (information on the source)

Used for
Generating steam to heat buildings
Generating electricity

There are only 10-12 steam use meters for the campus

Electricity Consumption and Trends

KWh Purchased: Directly from EWEB
KWh Generated: From natural gas powered steam generators at the U of O Central Power Station

KWh Use
1993
Amount purchased: 41,713,170 KWh
Amount generated: 13,394,000 KWh
Total used: 55,107,170 KWh
2003
Amount purchased: 46,478,256 KWh
Amount generated: 9,087,130 KWh
Total used: 55,565,386 KWh
Percent increase from 1993 to 2003: about 1%
Average percent generated: about 13%
Information: When natural gas prices are low and electricity costs are high, it is more cost effective to generate electricity from natural gas on campus than to purchase it directly from EWEB.


Sq Ft

Total in 1993: 4,346,731 sq ft
Total in 2003: 5,191,473 sq ft
Percent increase from 1993 to 2003: almost 20%
Information: The addition of the Knight Law Center and Student Recreation Center account for the increase between 1998 and 1999.

Student Population

Total in 1993: 16,593 students
Total in 2003: 20,033 students
Percent increase from 1993 to 2003: over 20%
Information: The student population has continually increased over the last decade and there are currently over 20,000 students.

KWh

Total in 1993: 55,107,170 KWh
Total in 2003: 55,565,386 KWh
Percent increase from 1993 to 2003: about 1%
Information: The minimal increase in total KWh occurred regardless of the total sq ft and student population both increasing over 20%. This is partly the result of more energy efficient building designs and conservation efforts.

 

KWh per Student

Total in 1993: 3,321 KWh/student
Total in 2003: 2,774 KWh/student
Percent decrease from 1993 to 2003: about 16%

KWh per Sq Ft

Total in 1993: 12.7 KWh/sq ft
Total in 2003: 10.7 KWh/sq ft
Percent decrease from 1993 to 2003: about 15%

Campus Energy Man

Josh Ruddick
Utilities Analyst

Josh Ruddick is responsible for compiling raw energy data, analyzing trends in energy consumption, and preparing information for the campus community when requested. He also configures billing for specific campus buildings, pays the university energy bills and maintains correspondence with EWEB regarding campus energy.