Without conservation efforts, our electricity consumption would steadily increase. That "load growth" is due to more electrical equipment (computers, printers, research equipment, televisions, microwaves, refrigerators, etc.) being used in our buildings. A reasonable estimate of load growth is two percent a year.
This chart shows the 2% line beginning in FY-1990 as a dotted line, along with our actual consumption as a solid line. Consumption is represented per square foot to compensate for new buildings.
Our conservation efforts have counteracted our load growth, and held our electricity consumption almost level. The increase in FY-1996 is primarily due to the construction of Rudman Hall, a very energy intensive (high KWH/sq.ft.) research building.
Electricity savings were accomplished with energy efficient new building construction, and upgrades of existing energy control systems and lighting systems. The accumulated dollar savings since FY-1990 compared to the 2% growth exceeds $15 million.
