Energy guidelines: Unplug or power down for Thanksgiving

University Park, Pa. -- University rates for electricity have doubled in the past year and Penn State now pays $24 million per year to power University Park. The University is asking all students and employees to help conserve resources over Thanksgiving break.

The Office of Physical Plant (OPP) will be reducing temperatures in select buildings from the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 25, until the morning of Friday, Nov. 27. Heating can be centrally controlled by OPP, but everyone on campus is asked to do their part by unplugging or tuning off equipment as they prepare to leave campus for the holiday break. This summer a one-hour test proved that Penn State has the capability to reduce electric usage by 10 percent. During this one-hour test, Penn State saved as much electricity as used by all the homes in Bellefonte, Pa., a town located near University Park campus.

The goal for Thanksgiving break is to reduce energy usage at University Park by 10 percent for the entire holiday week. All students and employees are asked to observe the following guidelines as they close up their areas for the holiday:

• Shut off all office equipment and lights when you leave for break. Equipment should include computers, monitors, printers, copiers, coffee makers and task lighting.
• Unplug iPod, digital camera and cell phone chargers when not in use.
• Close all office and classroom doors. Make sure operable windows are closed, too.
• Draw curtains or close blinds to help retain building heat.

Remember that personal portable space heaters are NOT permitted in University buildings unless provided by OPP for extraordinary circumstances. Officially provided space heaters must be turned off when areas are not occupied.

Visit http://www.takecharge.psu.edu/ for more information.