University of Illinois Facility and Services issued an “Energy Alert” this Tuesday in response to “extremely high electric demand across the Midwest” caused by the severe winter weather sweeping the nation.

“F&S requests that everyone conserve energy on campus to the greatest extent possible,” wrote Dr. Mohamed Attalla, executive director of Facility and Services via a Massmail. 

During the energy alert period, which extends through Monday, Feb. 22, individuals across the campus are advised to turn off, shut down or unplug any nonessential appliances, devices and equipment. 

Moreover, the Massmail warns that increasingly severe weather conditions will increase energy demand on the regional power grid in the coming days. 

While the University’s Abbott Power Plant supplies roughly half of the campus’ electricity, the rest is purchased from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which supplies power to much of the Midwest and parts of Canada.

Since Presidents’ Day weekend, MISO’s south region has grappled with increased demand for electricity as well as extreme weather conditions, leading to forced power outages in southern Texas.

“This is a highly unusual situation with current power demand nearly exceeding what current generation and transmission can supply because of the extreme weather,” said MISO in a press release.

Despite these power issues, the University, which is in MISO’s central region, remains largely unaffected, and Attalla promises that the “Abbott Power Plant will continue to provide uninterrupted energy services to campus that are essential for research and teaching activities.”

Nevertheless, Attalla cautions that the extreme weather conditions continuing throughout the week may lead to concerns later on.

“Continuous freezing temperatures throughout the week will substantially increase demand on the regional electric grid and require significant energy load optimization strategies from F&S’ Utilities & Energy Services division,” he said.

[email protected]