While another energy conservation measure was approved during Monday’s Board of Trustees meeting, the cost for utilities is projected to continue rising.

The fiscal year 2010 proposal includes a 15 percent increase for utilities that would equal approximately $525,000.

A $5 per gallon fuel cost is projected for the fiscal year 2009 budget, which is 46.6 percent higher than the $3.41 per gallon price in fiscal year 2008. Jeff Cooley, vice president for Business Affairs, said gas prices are unpredictable and the university needs to be cautious in fiscal year 2010.

Electricity rates also will rise approximately 18 percent entering fiscal year 2009. Later in the meeting, a purchase order was approved for phase three of Eastern’s Energy Conservation Project.

The purchases would be for $250,000 and would begin another energy audit of the campus for potential electricity saving opportunities.

Honeywell International would conduct research regarding potential power line replacements, steam plant upgrades, possible wind propelled electricity technology and upgrading current electric conduits that could allow higher wattages to be transferred.

Rick Kambic can be reached at 581-7942 or at rwkambic@eiu.edu.

Jeff Cooley, vice president for Business Affairs, answers a question regarding new signs that will be put up on campus to help direct visitors and new students at the board of trustees meeting Monday afternoon. (Erin Matheny/The Daily Eastern News)

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