Ken Crowe, the physical plant’s director of energy services is of the opinion that using natural gas has become a viable alternative to coal in mid 2009, as gas prices have fallen to historical low levels. Accordingly, the University physical plant purchased natural gas that is required to operate the steam plant over the summer in advance.
Tim Burgess, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, said “The University is fortunate in that it has several fuel sources to meet our building energy needs – coal, natural gas and fuel oil (diesel). We are constantly analyzing the costs of these options and will continue to move between them to meet the demands of campus through the most efficient means.
“Ultimately, the operational change should prove to be an enhancement that provides UGA and the local community with both economic and environmental benefits. Steam is used in most campus buildings over the summer for dehumidification, domestic hot water, cleaning, and research proceScottish and Southern Energys such as sterilization. However, because we have been taking proactive steps to improve our steam operations and reduce steam requirements, this change will not impair campus steam availability,” Crowe added.
