Electric Power Interrupt Policy

For interpretation of this policy, please contact the responsible department: Facilities Management (909/537-5175) and Human Resources (909/537-5138)
 

Several years ago, the University signed an agreement that would permit power to the campus to be interrupted during periods of peak demand. In return for this interrupted service, the University receives a discounted rate for all of the electricity used by the campus, which has amounted to about $250,000 per year. During the first few years, the instances of interruption were very limited. During calendar year 2000, the interruptions have been more frequent due to the increasing demand for power and the limited number of providers of power. When an interrupt occurs, very little notice is provided to the campus. Within a very brief frame of time, the campus must reduce its power load factor, most readily through the curtailment of air conditioning to all buildings. Interrupts have occurred during the severe warm weather months of June, July, August, and September.

The purpose of this policy is to document the protocols to be followed when a power interruption occurs.

Whenever Facilities Management receives notification of a power interruption, this information is to be communicated to Strategic Communication which will promptly notify the campus community through the established means of campus communication such as e-mail and voice mail. Based upon previous power interrupts, a prior review of building temperatures, and the residual effects of air conditioning, employees affected by the curtailment are expected to remain at their workstations during the curtailment of air conditioning. During this period, all non-essential equipment and lighting should be reduced to a conservation level that does not interfere with normal operations. Employees may leave based upon personal medical conditions or other factors at the discretion of the appropriate administrator. In order to continue with services such as phone coverage, where appropriate, one employee shall remain in each department until the end of the workday, on a rotational basis, to provide departmental coverage. The decision to close campus operations during a curtailment event will be made by the President or his designee.  All employees permitted to leave the campus after the notification of a power interruption shall be coded as Administrative Leave (AL) for the remainder of their workday. Employees who provide coverage during a power interruption are to be compensated in accordance with their respective collective bargaining agreement – Emergency Pay provisions.

The dismissal of class is at the discretion of the instructor.