Welcome to the new series, Hidden Rice, where articles will be featured in the Fast Five that highlight hidden or more obscure aspects of our vibrant campus. In its first installment, Hidden Rice is taking a deep dive into a crucial aspect of our campus infrastructure—Rice Power Plants.
Our campus power plants are essential for providing reliable and efficient energy. At a basic level, these plants convert raw materials like natural gas and water into usable energy forms such as electricity, steam, and chilled water. The North Plant, established in 1912, and the South Plant, built in 2008, are the main facilities that ensure our campus remains powered and operational.
The Role of Power Plants in Sustaining Campus Operations
Rice has had its own power plant since its founding as access to utilities was not as readily available in the early 1900s as it is today. Although the utility landscape has changed dramatically over the last 112 years, these power plants still provide important benefits to the campus.
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Resiliency & Operational Stability: The university’s power plants provide a critical layer of resiliency and operational stability. In the event of a power outage, the plants continue to supply power, protecting valuable research and maintaining campus operations.
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Cost Control: By generating its own power, the university can stabilize operating costs and avoid the price fluctuations that come with purchasing energy from utility companies. This control is crucial, especially during periods of high demand or adverse weather conditions.
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Revenue Generation: The power plants are leveraged to reduce electricity imports to Rice during times of tight electrical supplies on the grid, which typically results in a few hundred thousand dollars in revenues annually for the university.
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Reliability During Extreme Conditions: During extreme weather events like Hurricane Harvey and Winter Storm Uri, our power plants demonstrated their value. While much of Houston faced power outages, our campus remained operational. This resiliency protected millions of dollars in research and ensured the safety and comfort of our campus community, including the thousands of students who call the Rice campus home.
Rice’s power plants are not just about keeping the lights on; they are a strategic asset that supports the mission, enhances resiliency, and contributes to a sustainable future.
Many thanks to the Utility Plant Operations team's operators, mechanics, and instrumentation technicians who staff the South and Central Plants 24/7 year-round ensuring seamless operations—even during weather emergencies and power outages.