Why it may feel warm on campus in the summer

Throughout the spring and summer months, you may notice it feels a little warmer than usual inside Mohawk College buildings, and it’s not a problem with the air conditioning. The college is reducing our electricity use during peak times to support Ontario’s energy system and lower our utility costs.

What’s happening

Ontario’s electricity system is designed to deliver reliable power year-round. However, demand for electricity can spike on hot summer days when temperatures climb into the 30s and stay there. These periods put extra pressure on the electrical grid.

In anticipation of these high-demand days, the province’s electricity provider has the Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI) Program. The program aims to work with eligible industrial and commercial customers to reduce their demand during peak periods.

Mohawk College participates in the ICI program, which allows the college to reduce utility costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars each year and invest in future energy conservation and carbon emission reduction projects that align with the college’s strategy to make measurable impacts on climate change.

How it affects the college

From June to September, the college may reduce its electricity use up to five high-demand days per month. During these times (usually for 2 to 4 hours between 3 pm and 8 pm on weekdays), the college temporarily reduces the use of energy-intensive systems like air conditioning, water chillers, and electric boilers.

As a result, indoor temperatures may rise slightly during these periods, which can make spaces feel warmer and more humid than usual.

Noticing persistent temperature issues

There may be times when you experience warmer-than-usual temperatures in classrooms or offices on a regular basis, which may not be related to an energy curtailment period. If you encounter this, please send an email to maintenance@mohawkcollege.ca advising of the current temperature conditions.

Have more questions? Email Ed Cipriani, Senior Director, Facility & Security Services, at ed.cipriani@mohawkcollege.ca for more information on the college’s curtailment strategy.