Power to be interrupted during switch to new plant

UConn has begun the process of switching to its new co-generation plant, which will produce electricity and steam for the Storrs campus. On Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., the campus will experience a sequential, area-by-area power outage. These planned interruptions are expected to last approximately 40 minutes, and are necessary so the transition to co-generation can continue.

Co-generation will allow the University to achieve significant energy savings, and operate a more environmentally-friendly power source.

The conversion will affect all academic buildings, and all non-University facilities that receive utility service from the University. These include the religious and cultural facilities on North Eagleville Road, Mansfield Apartments, the Nathan Hale Inn, and lighting in the parking lots. It will not affect the Depot Campus or any user who receives a bill from CL&P, including properties in the commercial block.

The interruption has been scheduled for the early morning hours to minimize disruption to faculty, staff, and students. However, the interruption will affect:

Campus computer networks and individual PC’s: Departments operating their own networks and individual computer users should turn off their servers and PC’s not later than 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15. They can be turned on after 5:30 a.m. that day.

Research projects: Check that emergency generators are working.

Digital phones: Black phones will not work while power is out. They will begin working automatically once power is restored, but stored data such as saved phone numbers may be lost.