SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Students at the University of Illinois at Springfield who use too much power in their campus apartments will soon see bigger bills from the university.

Starting next month, students using more than 10 percent above the average utility usage for their apartment complex will have to pay for their actual usage, said John Ringle, the school’s director of housing and residential life.

During the past few years, students have been charged an average rate for utilities that includes Internet, water and electricity.

But about 25 percent of students in campus apartments consistently have high utility bills, with some “energy hogs” racking up monthly bills of $350 to $400, Ringle said.

Last month, students received e-mails from the university explaining the upcoming changes.

Those within the average usage were congratulated for conserving energy, but students who went over the limit were told how much their bill would have been under the new plan.

Ringle said the move will keep costs down and educate the students about conservation.

“They have a responsibility not only to us, but in terms of thinking globally,” he said.

Information from: The State Journal-Register, http://www.sj-r.com