The graph shows that despite increases in square footage space on campus between 2015 and 2025 (see "building" section), total energy usage intensity (EUI) decreased throughout the period. The EUI in fiscal years after 2020 saw significant declines due to (1) the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic that saw a reduction in energy usage across campus and (2) a sizable increase in building square footage during that period due to several new construction projects on campus.

Electricity use has increased at JMU as more objects we interact with and rely on are becoming electrified such as heat pumps, chillers, cars, scooters, e-bikes, etc. 

JMU purchases electricity from the grid via Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC) who receives its electricity from Dominion Energy. Dominion Energy is part of the PJM regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in parts of 13 states and Washington, DC.

JMU participates in PJM's Demand Response program wherein JMU is financially compensated for lowering its electricity demand during times of peak stress on the grid, enabling JMU to take part in ensurig the reliability of the grid for all its users. Learn more about PJM here.

Natural gas is burned at the West Campus power plant then transported to the East Campus power plant as steam via a network of insulated underground pipes. This is then transported to buildings for heat during the winter via a heat exchanger in the building.

The abrupt decline in natural gas usage starting in fiscal year 2020 was due to the replacement of the steam-drived chillers at the East Campus Power Plant with electrically-driven ones. The COVID-19 pandemic also led to a reduction in energy demand across campus.