Schools

WCSU Closed Monday at 1 p.m. As Part of Power Outage Training

WCSU shut down with 30 minutes warning today to test the school's ability to close down in a power emergency.

Western Connecticut State University closed down today on 30 minutes notice as part of a contract it has with the regional power grid to prove it can close down in a power emergency.

WCSU officials agreed five years ago to be one of the power users in the state who would shut down in a power emergency. The idea is when electricty demand is at its highest in July and August, the power authorities signed contracts with some larger users to shut down to keep the system from crashing or browning out.

The university pays a reduced rate on electricity for joining the program, but it pays a price. It agreed in the contract to test its ability to shut down quickly as a test without warning. That happened today.

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WCSU got that call today at 12:30 p.m., and an email alert followed immediately to staff on both campuses. They were told the school was closing at 1 p.m.

"It was a surprise. There were some classes going on. It confused our scheduling a bit, but we're pretty connected electronically," said Paul Steinmetz, director of community relations and interim vice president of institutional advancement. "They were just testing it today. We did shut down within 30 minutes."

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