A Smart Grid uses electronic controls to adjust energy demand in real-time.  By incorporating direct digital controls at many levels of the electrical grid, campus will be able to shave the energy demand as needed during peak times.  This includes digital controls at district levels, building zones, and even rooms or specific equipment.  Because there are significant costs to increase power generation at certain times, the University can save money by reducing the energy demand.  With a smart campus grid, our Energy Services team can proactively select which equipment, buildings, or districts lose power first, second, etc..  Additionally, when HVAC systems are digitally controlled, the control center staff will be able to "load shave" as needed.  This can be accomplished by turning off the fans in a single room for very short periods of time, such as five minutes every hour.  This short time without a fan is not a hardship on the room's occupants, and in fact it is not usually noticeable at all.  With a Smart Grid for Campus, this "load shaving" is an excellent tool for reducing campus energy demand.