Dear University Community: 

Over the weekend, the price of natural gas SIUE pays increased 4300%, from $3/dekatherm to $130/dekatherm. This was due to the extreme cold in the Midwest combined with storms and equipment failures in Texas.  To minimize the already substantial impact this has had on Campus utility costs, normal building temperatures were lowered over the administrative closure. They have been raised but remain at 68 degrees until further notice.  Prices have already decreased substantially but remain several times above the norm.  As soon as prices lower to normal, we will raise building temps back to 70-72. While the lowered levels do not seem like much, they will help us manage our gas needs through this crisis. 

Please feel free to contact me or Mr. Craig Holan, Director of Facilities Management with any questions you may have. We hope to return to normal winter building temperatures as soon as possible.  

Sincerely, 

 Morris Taylor, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Administration
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville