Lower building temperatures in winter and higher temperatures in summer could result in significant savings to the campus — perhaps as much as $300,000 annually, according to some estimates.

As a result, the campus community is being asked to cut back on utilities as much as practical, while avoiding use of space heaters that consume electricity at a rapid rate. A personal space heater typically runs at 1,500 watts, similar to a hair dryer. With the total electric demand of about 7,500,000 watts per hour in the winter for the campus, 1,500 watts adds up quickly: 100 space heaters equal 2 percent added to campus demand.

“Our utilities budget has already been reduced this year,” said Michael McGoff, acting vice president for administration. “Every dollar we go over that budget has to come from somewhere else. A concerted effort to conserve by every member of the campus community will benefit the entire campus.”