CUNY participates in a Con Edison energy consumption program which is called a Demand Response program. As participants of this program, there are times when Con Edison in anticipation of high demand on the power grid, requires participants to reduce energy consumption. This afternoon, we were asked to reduce our energy consumption as part of a Demand Response event.

Most of the time, we can meet these targets without any noticeable impact to the campus through a series of power management strategies. However, with the high heat, high humidity, and full campus, we are having a challenging time meeting our target. As a result, we are going to need to reduce our cooling capacity to the campus from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. We will still be able to provide cooling; however, it will  be a bit warmer and more humid in the buildings.

There are a few things that you can do to help keep things as comfortable as possible:

  • Turn off air conditioning units in unoccupied offices.
  • Keep windows closed.
  • Close window blinds.
  • Shut off overhead lights in unoccupied spaces or spaces with high sun exposure.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this temporary event.