In its commitment to sustainability, Rice University proudly embarks on another summer of progressive action to reduce energy consumption. As part of this effort, the University participates in a program with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and CenterPoint Energy, which aims to minimize the risk of electricity brownouts in the Houston area. Since Rice began participating in the program in the summer of 2012, the university has earned over $2.8 million in direct payments.
This year, Rice received $64,938.63 for its successful participation in ERCOT’s ERS-30 curtailment program. These efforts have reduced utility costs while also contributing to a stable power supply for the local community. Furthermore, when the community curtails electricity consumption during peak demand, the least efficient and, often, most polluting electricity generation sources are avoided. Rice University is expected to be called upon multiple times this summer to reduce electricity consumption as our state faces record-breaking electricity demand. By participating actively in the curtailment program and responding appropriately, the university maintains a stable power supply for our community.
By participating actively in the curtailment program and responding appropriately, the university maintains a stable power supply for our community.
The efforts of the following dedicated individuals at Rice have been instrumental in achieving these remarkable accomplishments. Special recognition goes to the Central Plant team Hugh Ton-That, Jason Hochstein, James McLarty, plant operators, technicians, and the Integrated Building Controls Team (Troy Christmas). Additionally, the utility experts in the Office of Sustainability (Eric Valentine, Keaton Kinstley, and Ian Housman) have ensured Rice is successful when the campus is called to curtail energy.
To conserve energy during an event, the Office of Sustainability has shared information on practical conservation actions. It doesn’t take an event activation, however, for the community to lower campus energy consumption. Simple measures such as turning off non-essential lights, switching off equipment when not in use, and firmly closing exterior doors and windows to prevent cool air from escaping can have a considerable impact. Additionally, Rice facilities staff may occasionally adjust air conditioning settings in non-research areas to conserve energy. These changes will not affect off-campus facilities, including the Rice Children's Campus, the Library Service Center, the Primary Data Center, and Graduate Housing.
Rice is fully committed to these conservation efforts. For more information on Rice’s curtailment efforts, please contact Eric Valentine (energy@rice.edu).