California University Electrification Project
Key Points:
- A university and a giant electric company start a pilot project together.
- Electrification projects boost economic growth and development.
- The goal is to help the environment and give universities a new path.
- Giving up old systems for new resources does face pushback.
- Transitioning away from outdated hardware is done with this partner.
What is more efficient, electrical or natural gas power? Getting the answer to that question may be sooner than we think. The East Campus of California State University Monterey Bay is about to become a unique pilot project as they partner with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).
With more significant concerns about carbon dioxide emissions and climate change, the university is undertaking this project to reach its goals. If successful, other universities can transition and help achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Here’s more from Luis in today’s video.
What Is An Electrification Project?
Electrification projects are not new. The United States Congress passed the Rural Electrification Act, which became law on May 20, 1936. That law would help rural communities receive access to electricity. Back then, only cities had access to this resource.
An electrification project transforms a property, community, college, or university from an existing resource, e.g., natural gas, propane, etc., to electrical only. Electrification has always played a key role in economic development and growth.
The East Campus of California State University Monterey Bay wants to retire its natural gas pipelines built by the Army many years ago. The project could reduce an average of 5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually and cut the school’s utility costs.
What Will The Electrification Goal Achieve?
Electric systems continually prove more efficient and economical than natural gas systems. That allows the college to see its utility savings reduce over time. Additionally, any risk of a natural gas pipeline breaking or leaking under a building or structure gets permanently removed.
In the case of the East Campus, their end goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. They ultimately want to replace their natural gas reliance with only having electricity in new and existing school buildings.
Once this electrification project completes, the university will reduce its carbon dioxide emissions contributing to climate change and benefit its students and staff. In the end, they’re also hoping their electrification project will help other universities want to transition.
Transitioning From Old Systems To New Resources
Anytime a school, business, or organization is faced with giving up old systems for new, more efficient resources, it experiences pushback. The belief “if it’s not broke, why fix it” always rears its ugly head before a transition begins.
Internal resistance always occurs even when a project saves money, benefits a community, and sends others a positive example. For instance, an in-house IT department does not realize its firewall isn’t closing off open ports.
Just because there’s never been a breach or cyberattack doesn’t mean the organization’s security shouldn’t get updated annually. Not doing so, the cost to recover after a cyber theft becomes significant.
Alvarez Technology Group Helps Companies Transition
The thought of tearing out your old computer hardware and eliminating a server closet to make room for an efficient IT infrastructure scares many decision-makers. You’re used to the old way. However, with evolving technology, change needs to take place quickly.
At Alvarez Technology Group, we partner with businesses and organizations to transition from outdated, end-of-life hardware to a more robust network. The assistance we provide opens more doors for your company. Contact us today or call Toll Free 1-866-78-iTeam about your pilot project.
