UA asks students, faculty to cut power use

By Associated Press

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville is asking people on campus to use a little less power, as the school's electric bill is expected rise $1.2 million from last year.

"Obviously this is not an expense that the campus has budgeted for, but will nonetheless have to deal with," said Donald O. Pederson, vice chancellor for finance and administration. "We make every effort to anticipate and budget for changes in operating costs, but the unprecedented increase in the energy markets in early summer could not have been foreseen."

University officials expect electric costs for the current fiscal year to be $1.2 million than the year before - which in turn was another $1.2 million higher than in fiscal 2007.

The school is asking faculty, staff and students to use less electricity by unplugging devices and turning off lights.

"Conservation is the key," said Scott Turley, director for utility operations and maintenance at the university. "Each of us can have an impact by being smart energy consumers. Most of it is common sense, like turning off lights and keeping space temperatures at reasonable levels."