University of Iowa reducing campus energy

The University of Iowa is asking employees to curtail energy use today from 2 to 6 p.m.

UI officials in a campus-wide email said MidAmerican Energy has confirmed the UI will be required to curtail energy during those four afternoon hours. UI officials ask employees to turn off all non-essential electrical equipment and raise thermostat settings wherever possible.

Curtailment is limited to occupants of General Fund buildings on the UI campus. The Oakdale Campus is not served by MidAmerican Energy and therefore not included in the curtailment.

The UI agreement with MidAmerican allows that the university may be called to curtail up to 16 times between June 1 and September 30, for up to six hours at a time. The UI receives a financial incentive for the program. In 2009, the UI had only one curtailment.

For more information on why the UI curtails energy, visit

www.facilities.uiowa.edu/uem/curtailment/