The University of Virginia purchases electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, propane, and other fuels to provide lighting, to heat and cool buildings, and to operate equipment. There are close to 50 miles of utilities beneath the University carrying steam, hot water, chilled water and electric lines feeding the 650 buildings and support structures located on the Grounds.

 

Electricity : Most (88%) electricity is purchased from Dominion Virginia Power and is supplied to several large substations. Distribution of electricity from the substations to buildings is managed by the University. Some buildings at UVA are served directly by Dominion Virginia Power utility lines

 

Heating : Some of the fossil fuels purchased by the University is burned to produce steam at the Main Heat Plant, located in the Health Systems area. Steam is produced at about 180 psig and piped to various buildings to provide comfort heat and to heat water for domestic use. Two hot water generating plants are located in the North Grounds area to provide heat to nearby buildings. These two central systems account for approximately 45% of all energy use by the University. There are other smaller steam and hot water boilers located in buildings not on either the central steam or hot water systems.

 

Cooling : Electricity is used to drive a number of central chilled water plants. The chilled water that they produce is piped to many buildings to provide cooling. Smaller chillers and air conditioners provide cooling to buildings not on these central chilled water plants. The central chilled water systems use about 20% of the total energy purchased.

 

Fuel Oil and Propane : Fuel oil and propane are also purchased. These are used to provide fuel for emergency electricity generators, some vehicles and power equipment, and other heating equipment.