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Central Rural Electric Joins Oklahoma State University on Energy Source Proclamation
Oklahoma State University has taken major steps this week in the process of making the campus a "brighter orange."
OSU, along with the partnership of Central Rural Electric Cooperative, Stillwater Utilities Authority and C.H. Guernesy & Co, signed the Smart Energy Source Proclamation yesterday afternoon.
The goals of this proclamation are energy solutions, engaging in research, and achieving sustainability. These energy solutions are supposed to be affordable, and not only that, but also "improve the quality of life," according to the proclamation.
"The idea is all of these groups share resources, work together, maximize our equipment and personnel so we can provide services cheaper and reduce cost for the consumers," said Jeff Joiner, the communications specialist for Central Rural Electric Cooperative.
Joiner said he expects the proclamation to save the university a large amount of money.
"We hope that (OSU) can use their system more efficiently, which by its very nature decrease cost," Joiner said. "Although, it may not result in cost being passed down to the students, but it still could. Mostly, it will enable them to use their electricity more wisely and more efficiently."
Oklahoma State is playing a big part in this partnership regarding research. Joiner said there are several OSU students working part time, engaging in the research for the companies.
OSU President Burn Hargis was one of the four men who signed the proclamation.
"It will help us because we can do a lot of research and develop a cutting edge expertise in this area," Hargis said.
He said he expects to see many more projects emerging regarding energy strategies.
Oklahoma State has saved an estimated $15 million the last three years with the energy management systems, and this partnership is expected to fall under the same category.
Also, earlier this week, OSU announced an agreement with OG&E to provide wind energy to the Oklahoma State campus. This agreement is also expected to save cost and provide to the growing energy demand.
"The signing of this agreement with OG&E is part of our over arching sustainability initiative aimed at saving money, reducing carbon emissions and improving efficiency," Hargis said.
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