As the summer heat poured on in early July, Arcadia University was called upon to do its part in the PECO load shedding program and lessen its energy usage on one afternoon. Arcadia was able to meet its obligation by temporarily turning off the air conditioning in four buildings.

On the afternoon of July 7, Arcadia temporarily turned off the air in Knight Hall, Landman Library, Boyer Hall, and the Dining Hall.

“As a participant to the PECO Energy Power load shedding program, we save about $46,000 on our annual utility bill,” says Tom Macchi, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Capital Planning.

“In 2009, PECO did not have a summer day in which high temperatures exceeded their capacity to generate, but this summer the University was asked to ‘shed its electrical load’ for one afternoon so far, and we may me asked to do so again if the high temperatures continue.”

Also during the hot spell, the University repaired the air conditioning unit in the Dining Hall and replaced a transformer at Oak Summit Apartments. For more information, contact Macchi at 215-847-2654 or at macchit@arcadia.edu.