Overview
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Utilities Energy Services (UES) was officially established in 1991 as part of the Physical Plant Utilities Division. As energy cost and environmental awareness have both increased over the years, the responsibilities and contribution of the UES have also increased. The UES has worked consistently since inception to manage and report campus energy consumption while improving operating efficiency at TAMU. Through effective energy management, the UES, along with the entire Utilities Division and the Physical Plant, has been successful in reducing campus energy consumption per gross square foot by 33 percent over the last ten years. The improvements achieved during this ten year period have resulted in a $50 million cost avoidance for the University. UES responsibilities include the following: Maintaining/reporting on the TAMU Energy Management Program, metering/managing energy consumption, actively promoting energy conservation, implementing energy conservation measures, maintaining and upgrading the campus building automation systems and installing/maintaining revenue-quality utility meters to accurately measure consumption. The UES has installed almost 1000 revenue-quality utility meters to accurately measure consumption and is continuing to add more. These meters are electronically interconnected to a network that feeds information into a centralized server so data can be analyzed, systems optimized and accurate invoices created for customers. The invoices are electronically transmitted to Physical Plant Accounting and exported directly into the University accounting program (FAMIS). The team also developed a web-based user interface that allows customers to access consumption and cost data by building or account. The meter consumption data is only one of many inputs into the TAMU Utility Rate Model which accurately determines proper cost recovery amounts. This overall program, including meter installation/maintenance, the creation and maintenance of the data collection & retrieval system, customer web interface, historian database and billing statements are managed by the UES. The UES also leads the charge to reduce and optimize the energy consumption of individual buildings through the building commissioning program, with close coordination and support from Facilities Maintenance and the Energy Systems Laboratory. This program identifies and implements measures to improve the performance and efficiency of building operation. In addition to reducing energy costs, the commissioning program improves building air quality and occupant comfort & safety. The UES has developed a broad range of technical skills and troubleshooting capabilities. An example of this is a recent challenge in student dormitories which were experiencing loss of hot water in the showers. The UES team directed an effort to perform an extensive flow balance to alleviate the problem while a final solution was being determined. The UES then established a web-based interface to report supply and return temperatures and pressures for 60 buildings on the domestic hot water distribution system. This report is now used to proactively identify system flow and temperature problems to avoid service interruptions to the customer. The UES also provides essential input for building design and commissioning for new buildings and major renovations. The plans and specifications for all new buildings and major renovations are reviewed by the UES with specific recommendations and feedback is provided. The team works to ensure that energy efficiency is designed into each new building and renovation. Recommendations and specifications are provided to project managers and engineering design firms to improve the design, construction and commissioning of major building projects. The UES leads the University energy conservation promotion and education program with close involvement with the TAMU Energy Conservation Committee. Some of the initiatives include the Residence Hall Energy Challenge, Care Pledge Campaign, website posting of charts and information and an effective program to reduce energy consumption during holidays, nights and weekends. In September 2006, the UES and TAMU were recognized by the State of Texas Comptroller for “energy efficiency and improving air quality in the State of Texas”. More recently, the UES and TAMU were awarded the 2007 Region IV Corporate Energy Management Award, presented in August 2007 by the Association of Energy Engineers. To provide the best organization to accomplish the mission the Office of Energy Management is comprised of six areas of responsibility: |
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