Energy

UC Utilities manages the production and distribution of energy to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are provided a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment, while being effective stewards of the University’s resources and the environment in which we all live.

Quick Facts:

  • Coal was phased out of campus utilities in 2008.
  • The installation of an electric substation in 2010 enabled UC to begin producing its own electricity on site.
  • High efficiency chillers installed at UC in 2019 have reduced the energy required for chilled water production by 34%.
  • Several stormwater detention tanks have been installed on campus over the past two decades. The water captured is utilized in campus utility processes or held until the Metropolitan Sewer District's piping can adequately handle its release, preventing combined sewer overflows.
  • UC Utilities currently generates 85% of energy needed by UC's main campus + surrounding hospitals.
  • The Central Utility Plant operates at over 70% efficiency, which is double that of larger utility distributors.