California State University at Long Beach
(CSULB) is home to more than 35,000
students. The largest campus within the 23-
campus California State University system, it
is composed of 87 buildings, totaling almost
4.3 million sq. ft. of building space — 3.8
million sq. ft. of which is conditioned and
occupied space. The university has its own
electrical distribution system which receives
66 kV transmission service from local utility
Southern California Edison. Interestingly
enough, CSULB can take advantage of
California direct access regulations to purchase
its electric supply directly from an energy
service provider. CSULB has combined electric
and gas expenditures of nearly $5.2 million.
Electric cost is $1.06 per sq. ft., with total
energy usage of 77,000 BTUs per sq. ft. each
year. CSULB receives funding from the State
of California General Fund; however, it does
not receive additional funding unless campus
square footage increases. As a result, energy
crisis market conditions, rising electric rates
and increased student enrollment all work
against CSULB’s facilities department
operating budget. |
