The University receives its electricity from Detroit Edison via a single 13.2 kilovolt circuit located in the substation on the south side of campus.  This high voltage line is metered and sent out to the main campus on four circuits.  A fifth circuit was installed in the summer of 2007 to serve part of the east campus, including the OU Incubator, MB Hall, the Dodge Farmhouse, and a the adjacent golf course buildings.

From there, the University owns and operates its own 13.2kV underground distribution system.  Each of the west campus buildings receives the 13.2kV power and transforms it to 480 volts for large equipment, 277 volts for much of the lighting, and 120 volts for lighting and wall outlets.  

Two diesel powered electric generators were installed in the summer of 2007 and will backup two of the main campus electric circuits.  This will allow for approximately 50% of the campus buildings to have emergency power backup.  Additional generators will be installed in future years.

Energy Metering

Oakland University has installed a automated utility metering system which will remotely monitor the electrical, heating, natural gas, and domestic water usage per building across the main campus.  The system in the final stages of commissioning, and will provide detailed real-time and historical data on campus energy usage.  

Click here for more info - Sub Metering EPA EnergyStar Report

Electrical Power Purchasing

Under the new electrical restructuring, the University now contracts with an "alternative electric supplier", Quest Energy LLC, to supply our electric power.  Quest contracts with generating companies to supply power for our use.  The power is then delivered via Detroit Edison to Oakland University.  We take "ownership" of the electricity at the south end of campus via the new Spencer Substation.