State university client showing massive demand spikes in July/August - jumping from 8,500 kW to over 12,000 kW. Campus facilities says nothing changed but ComEd is billing them an extra $15K per month. Any ideas what could cause this kind of jump in higher ed?
University campus - summer demand spike mystery
Susan - check if they added temporary HVAC for summer programs or camps. Universities often rent portable AC units for dorms during peak enrollment periods and don't tell the business office.
Also look at research labs. We had a university add a clean room facility that pulled 2,000 kW continuous. The research department never coordinated with utilities management about the load impact.
Bingo! Found six portable chillers running the new computer science building during construction delays. Facilities rented them in June and forgot to mention it. $45,000 in avoidable demand charges over three months.