Campus Planning and Facilities Management is scheduling electrical testing for Wednesday, Aug. 6, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

As a flourishing academic and research institution, it’s critical that the University of Oregon’s power continues uninterrupted during storms and unexpected events. Under normal conditions, the UO gets electricity from the Eugene Water and Electric Board. However, UO can disconnect from the grid and supply 100 percent of campus power demand via its own generators. 

“Islanding” is the process of severing the connection to EWEB while simultaneously connecting to UO generators without measurable disruption to sensitive equipment on campus. Testing brings together engineers who designed the system and university utility technicians to troubleshoot any bugs in equipment or programming. Successful tests will be undetectable on campus. However, a failed test will result in a ten-second power outage.   

Additional information on how to prepare work areas for testing is shared weekly with building managers, available on the Utilities and Energy website and will be featured in Workplace.  

In addition to the islanding tests, power will be shut off in seven buildings for up to 90 minutes. They are:  

• Volcanology Hall and Columbia Hall
• Susan Campbell Hall and Gerlinger Hall
• Fenton Hall and Condon Hall
• McKenzie Hall 

Facility managers in those buildings have been notified and are working with staff to minimize impacts to productivity.  

Supervisors should consider alternative timelines and actions for critical tasks that can be delayed while the testing takes place. Employees who normally work on campus may consult with their supervisors to determine if they should work remotely during the testing.  

Those with concerns or questions should contact workcontrolcenter@uoregon.edu or 541-346-2319.