Area campuses are taking advantage of winter break to conserve energy as they face significant unanticipated utility costs.
North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton is closing most administrative offices this week to cut down on heating costs, said spokesman Bob Otterson.
The campus anticipates a shortfall of $697,627 in 2005-07 primarily because of the escalating cost of natural gas, he said.
Campus officials are actively looking for ways to conserve energy, including turning the heat down to about 60 degrees on weekends in nonresidential buildings.
North Dakota's 11 public colleges and universities estimate they will spend $37.6 million on utilities, $5.5 million more than what was budgeted.
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The North Dakota University System is considering asking the Legislature for deficiency funding to help with rising costs, said Laura Glatt, vice chancellor for administrative affairs.
At Minnesota State University Moorhead, officials made sure the thermostats were turned down in residence hall rooms, which are primarily unoccupied over the holiday break, said Todd Stugelmayer, physical plant director.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has mandated campuses to reduce energy use by 10 percent over the course of a year, Stugelmayer said.
MSUM aims to reduce energy usage by 15 percent, he said.
The campus has always been conscientious of energy use, but is making minor adjustments because of the rising costs.
To further conserve, MSUM turns on air handling units later and shuts them off earlier, he said.
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system is requesting $10 million from the Legislature for anticipated high fuel costs for the 2006-07 academic year.
The 32 campuses are expected to absorb an extra $6.6 million this academic year, said Melinda Voss, MnSCU's director of public relations.
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Colleges are conserving energy by scheduling classes so utilities in portions of buildings can be turned off when not needed, Voss said.
Campuses are also buying more vehicles that use E85 fuel and installing energy-efficient light fixtures and other appliances, she said.
"We're building energy efficiencies into the buildings whenever we can," Voss said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
