The chart below provides a quick look at some of the statistics for the Michigan State University’s Physical Plant Power and Water Department, which includes the T.B. Simon Power Plant. For more information on the steps the power plant is taking to be green, please visit our green issues page.
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Power & Water Department |
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2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
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Amount burned: *T.B. Simon Power Plant began burning biofuel in 2008 |
Coal (tons) |
230,406 |
248,310 |
222,819 |
178,550 |
162,482 |
|
Natural Gas (mcf) |
435,573 |
465,966 |
887,742 |
1,835,513 |
2,136,097 |
|
|
*Biofuel (tons) |
*59 |
10 |
76 |
1464 |
4096 |
|
|
Emissions (tons): |
CO2 |
579,767 |
576,708 |
542,606 |
480,593 |
472,591 |
|
SOX |
3,594 |
3,390 |
2,812 |
2,715 |
2,107 |
|
|
NOX |
1,037 |
1,063 |
794 |
755 |
739 |
|
|
PM10 |
12 |
11 |
11 |
14 |
13 |
|
|
Water (1,000 gallons): |
Produced |
1,834,301 |
1,758,654 |
1,542,474 |
1,479,649 |
1,343,959 |
|
Distributed |
1,544,407 |
1,490,780 |
1,344,167 |
1,294,778 |
1,195,489 |
|
|
Purchased |
5,884 |
6,603 |
8,932 |
47,176 |
50,163 |
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|
Annual BTUs: |
6,151,312 |
6,511,794 |
6,445,845 |
6,189,904 |
5,785,212 |
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|
Fiscal year |
Fiscal year |
Fiscal year |
Fiscal year |
Fiscal year |
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Fuel expenses: |
Coal |
$20,652,311.87 |
$27,700,812.55 |
$29,582,555.40 |
$23,110,936.46 |
$16,904,019.30 |
|
Gas |
$5,183,294.54 |
$5,805,091.30 |
$3,202,283.69 |
$9,747,766.59 |
$15,033,470.15 |
|
| Commodity rates: |
Electricity (kWhr) |
$0.074 |
$0.084 |
$0.092 |
$0.091 |
$0.09 |
|
Steam (1,000 pounds) |
$11.869 |
$13.921 |
$18.359 |
$18.293 |
$20.20 |
|
|
Water/Sewage (1,000 gallons) |
$2.475 |
$3.032 |
$3.818 |
$3.8349 |
$3.60 |
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Amount Burned: The power plant uses three different types of substances to power Michigan State University: coal, natural gas and biofuel. Coal and biofuels are measured by the ton, while natural gases are measured by 1,000 cubic feet or mcf. Biofuels are produced from the burning of biomass, or various organic waste products. * In 2007, the power plant began testing biofuel products through a test burn trial in the boiler systems.
Emissions: Air pollutants or emissions are regulated within the United States to minimize the effects on the atmosphere. The power plant’s emissions include carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxide (SOX), nitrogen oxide (NOX), and particulate matter (PM10). All emissions are measured by the ton.
Water: The power plant produces, distributes and purchases water, which is used on Michigan State University’s campus. The water production process starts with 17 wells, providing water for the irrigation of University farms. The water is then distributed to the campus water reservoir, which then supplies water to campus. The power plant also buys a small amount of water from outside sources.
Annual BTUs: BTUs or British Thermal Units, measure the total amount of energy, per calendar year, used to power the entire campus, including the power plant. British Thermal Units are the amount of energy needed to heat one pound of water at one degree Fahrenheit.
Fuel Expenses: The amount of money the power plant spends on fuel every fiscal year.
Commodity Rates: The power plant provides the commodities of electricity, steam, water and sewage to Michigan State University organizations. The commodity rate, at which the power plant supplies these resources, remains low due to the efficiency of its operations. Each commodity is measured separately and recorded by fiscal year. Electricity is measured by the amount of energy multiplied by the number of hours powered, known as kilowatts per hour (kWhr), steam by 1,000 pounds, and the water and sewage by 1,000 gallons.