Campus power plant disruption

Campus Update for Sept. 22

The MSU Campus Power Plant Disruption website now includes a map of zones that represent planned phases of steam and hot water restoration. Campus includes over 19 million gross square feet of building space and 16 miles of steam tunnels, and Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) staff are working to safely and efficiently restore services. The restoration plan may be subject to adjustments as work continues across campus.

IPF teams at the front of the repair effort are getting a lot of calls from campus partners. In this situation, please direct questions to Contact IPF at 517-353-1760. Additional information is available at Power Outage - East Lansing Campus | Infrastructure Planning and Facilities.

Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) continues to provide support to students in residence halls and is working on additional shower options for those in campus residence halls where steam and hot water have yet to be restored.

In-person instruction has resumed for some classes. Academic units will continue to communicate directly with students and employees regarding any changes affecting specific courses, facilities or operations.

University administrative work functions resumed today, Tuesday, Sept. 22. Unit supervisors may still exercise discretion if there are unique aspects of this work that would prevent in-person operations and will provide that information to impacted teams. Employees should direct questions to supervisors.

Restoration Update

The following campus buildings had steam and/or hot water restored as of 4:30 p.m. Sept. 22:

• Owen Hall
• Business College
• MSU College of Law
• Shaw Hall
• Planetarium
• Chemistry
• Farrall Agriculture Engineering
• Biomedical and Physical Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Plant Science Greenhouses
• Integrative Plant Sciences
• Food Safety Toxicology
• Natural Resources
• Trout Food Science
• Dairy Store
• Anthony Hall
• Packaging
• Engineering (southeast portion)

Next Steps

• STEM
• Wells Hall
• International Center
• Erickson Hall
• Engineering (remaining)
• Communication Arts & Sciences

Campus Update for Sept. 21

MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) continues to make progress on restoring steam, temperature regulations and hot water to campus buildings. Online instruction and remote work, where possible, remain in effect through 11 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21.

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22, some classes will return to in-person instruction. Academic units will communicate directly with students and employees regarding any changes affecting specific courses, facilities or operations.

University administrative work functions on campus can fully resume on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Unit supervisors may still exercise discretion if there are unique aspects of this work that would prevent in-person operations and will provide that information to impacted teams. Employees should direct questions to supervisors.

Restoration update

The following campus buildings had steam and/or hot water restored as of Sept. 21 at 4:30 p.m.:

• Radiology
• Clinical Center
• Life Sciences
• Bott
• Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building (ISTB)
• IQ/Biomedical Engineering
• Engineering Research (steam only)
• Linen Services
• Regional Chilled Water Plant
• Plant and Soil Sciences
• Molecular Plant Sciences
• FRIB
• Veterinary Medical Center
• Wharton Center for Performing Arts
• Conrad Hall
• Fee Hall
• Akers Hall
• Hubbard Hall
• Holmes Hall
• IM East
• McDonel

Next steps

• Owen Hall
• Business College
• MSU College of Law

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4:30 p.m. Sept. 21: MSU leaders provide power plant update, answer questions

Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., was joined by campus leaders today at a news conference to provide an update on progress and share the status of campus operations following a widespread power outage over the weekend.

“Our facilities and utility teams have made significant progress over the past 48 hours,” said Guskiewicz. “Restoring systems across a campus of Michigan State University’s size and complexity requires a phased approach to ensure that buildings can safely and reliably return to normal operations. We know the inconvenience and disruption caused by the outage and the resulting conditions on campus, and I want to assure the campus community that we are working as quickly and as diligently as possible to fully restore normal operations.”

The ongoing phases of restoration to steam, hot water and temperature systems are driven by the underlying infrastructure. Reintroduction of these systems, which could take up to a week, requires work to be completed first from east to west across campus, then focusing from south of the Red Cedar River as it travels through north campus. As systems are restored, some buildings may need additional cleanup and maintenance, which will require more time to ensure consistent service and appropriate building conditions. Read the full news release here.

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3:45 p.m. Sept. 21: President Guskiewicz provides campus restoration update

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12:45 p.m. Sept. 21: MSU to hold news conference regarding power plant, campus operations

MSU will hold a news conference regarding Saturday’s widespread power outage on campus and how the university is working to address some of the cascading impacts to the campus community. University leadership will be available to address questions from the media.

Speakers:

• Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., MSU president
• Kenneth McFarlane, associate vice president of Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Facilities
• Patricia Martinez, associate vice president, Residential and Hospitality Services

Date/time: 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21.

Location: The news conference will be held in the atrium of the Henry Center for Executive Development at 3535 Forest Road, Lansing, Michigan, 48910.

MSU encourages remote classes, work amid campus hot water disruption

Due to a recent power outage, Michigan State University is without hot water across the majority of campus, and the university is encouraging remote classes for students and remote work for most employees on its East Lansing campus beginning today at 9 a.m. and continuing through Monday, Sept. 21, at 11 p.m.

On Sept. 19, a problem was identified with a power bus, which is a central connection point at the T. B. Simon Power Plant on campus. This resulted in a loss of connection to necessary power supplied to the power plant, halting the ability of the plant to generate electricity and steam to campus buildings. MSU experienced a campuswide power outage that lasted several hours. During the outage, MSU deployed generators across campus to support safety, security and emergency response operations. Read more.

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Read the full community message from President Kevin M. Guskiewicz

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Update: MSU working to restore power 

Michigan State University has experienced a failure at the T.B. Simon Power Plant that supplies power to campus. The source of the failure has been identified, and crews are diligently working to repair the issue.

The T.B. Simon Power Plant produces electricity and steam power for campus. Once the power plant comes back online, power is methodically restored to all buildings and campus facilities over a period of time. The university is optimistic that power will be restored by the morning. Read more.
 

MSU provides update on power outage

Michigan State University has identified the cause of the power outage affecting campus and is actively working to restore power.

The university does not yet have an estimated time for power to be restored and anticipates it may still be hours until campus is fully restored. As a result of the power outage, those on campus may be experiencing an impact to cellular service across all carriers. The university is actively communicating with cellular providers to alleviate the issue, including Verizon Wireless that is working to bring mobile units to campus to improve service. Read more.

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MSU issues statement on widespread power outage

Michigan State University is currently experiencing a widespread power outage. MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) is working to quickly identify and diagnose the issue. Aside from the power outage, there is no threat to campus. Read more.
 

Tuesday, Sept. 22: 

• Shaw Hall
• Planetarium
• Chemistry*
• Farrall Agriculture Engineering
• Biomedical and Physical Sciences*
• Plant Science Greenhouses
• Integrative Plant Sciences
• Food Safety Toxicology 

*Will require additional hot water restoration 

Wednesday, Sept. 23:

• STEM
• Wells Hall
• International Center
• Erickson Hall  
• Engineering*
• Anthony Hall
• Dairy Store
• Trout Food Science*
• Communication Arts & Sciences
• Packaging
• Natural Resources

*Will require additional hot water restoration 

Thursday, Sept. 24:

• Student Recreation and Wellness
• Wonders Hall
• Case Hall
• Holden Hall
• Wilson Hall
• IPF
• Landscape Services
• Oyer Hearing and Speech
• MSU Police
• Fire Station  

Thursday, Sept. 24:

• Jenison Field House*
• Demonstration Hall
• IM Sports West
• Spartan Stadium
• Daugherty Football Stadium
• Munn Ice Arena
• Breslin Center (Berkowitz will need additional hot water restoration) 

*Will require additional hot water restoration 

Friday, Sept. 25:

• Mason-Abbot
• Snyder-Phillips
• Baker Hall
• Geography
• Alumni Memorial Chapel
• Kresge Art Center
• Auditorium
• Bessey Hall  
• Computer Center
• Hannah Administration
• Kedzie Hall
• Giltner Hall
• Psychology
• Natural Sciences
• Morrill Hall of Agriculture
• Cook-Severs
• Marshall-Adams
• Chittenden
• Old Horticulture
• Old Botany
• Linton Hall
• Eustace Cole
• Olin Health Center
• Berkey Hall
• Broad Art Museum
• Student Services

Sunday, Sept. 27:

• Olds Hall  
• Main Library
• Beaumont Tower
• MSU Museum
• IM Sports Circle
• Human Ecology
• MSU Union
• Campbell Hall
• Landon Hall
• Mayo Hall
• Williams Hall
• Yakeley-Gilchrist Hall
• Wills House  
• Music  
• Music Practice 

Friday, Sept. 25:

• Brody Hall
• Bailey Hall
• Bryan Hall
• Butterfield Hall
• Emmons Hall
• Rather Hall
• Armstrong Hall
• Kellogg Center

Multicultural Center: The building currently maintains hot water service via electric water heaters. It is served by a new steam feed installed this summer and may require additional support during restoration, as steam is used for the building's heating and temperature control systems. 

A problem was identified with a power bus, which is a central connection point at the T. B. Simon Power Plant on campus. This resulted in a loss of connection to necessary power supplied to the power plant, halting the ability of the plant to generate electricity and steam to campus buildings. 

MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities immediately began working to identity the cause while assessing the impact of the outage. As a result of the outage, MSU began deploying light towers at various intersections across campus. Generators were also used to support safety, security, and emergency response operations. Patrol officers with the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety were available throughout campus and connected with campus neighborhood staff for support. 

We recognize the disruption this incident has caused for members of our campus community.

Throughout this incident the university remained open, and we will not be providing refunds for this period. The university continued to deliver educational instruction, conduct research and provide support services for students. Residence halls remained operational along with campus dining. Although a few services required some adjustments, alternative options have been and continue to be offered.

The outage resulted in multiple cellular carriers being impacted. The university was in communication with providers to help alleviate the issue. Verizon Wireless brought in mobile units to help improve service. Community members were encouraged to move toward or outside campus boundaries where there was better reception. 

The T.B. Simon Power Plant converts energy from natural gas into steam and electricity, which is used for building functions such as heating and cooling. Steam for use in HVAC and electric power are transmitted through a steam distribution network, which connects to more than 100 MSU buildings.  

As a consequence of the extended outage, condensation built up in the steam distribution system, affecting the ability to deliver hot water to campus. Roughly 80% of the square footage of buildings on MSU’s campus rely on steam for hot water, including residence halls and dining facilities.  

The process to fully restore hot water campus wide will take several days and will be done in a methodical, phased approach. The university will be providing a daily update to the campus community on what buildings have had hot water restored as well as the buildings that are anticipated to have hot water the following day.  

The water in the system and the water that will be delivered once the hot water is restored is all safe

The power bus failure also damaged equipment that connects campus to the external electrical grid. As a result, power could not simply be transferred from an external utility until system assessments and repairs were completed.

Most of campus receives electricity and steam from the T.B. Simon Power Plant, which serves as the primary utility source for campus.

Supplemental electricity is provided by on-campus solar generation and a backup connection to the external electrical grid.

Steam produced at the T.B. Simon Power Plant is distributed across campus and supports heating, cooling, domestic hot water, research and sterilization operations.

Some facilities located south of Mt. Hope Road and along the campus perimeter receive utility service from local utility providers rather than the campus utility system. 

Yes, but only a limited number of campus facilities have emergency generators. These generators are designed to support critical life-safety and essential building functions, including:  

• Emergency lighting
• Fire alarm and fire suppression systems
• Smoke control systems
• Designated elevators
• Building communications and controls

Emergency generators are not intended to power entire buildings or maintain normal operations. 

No. The equipment currently under construction is not yet operational and is not connected to the campus electrical distribution system. The outage was unrelated to that project.

Following restoration of services, the university will conduct a comprehensive after-action review to evaluate the incident, identify lessons learned and assess opportunities to strengthen system reliability resilience, and emergency response procedures. 

The T.B. Simon Power Plant is operated and maintained by a team of professionals, including operators, engineers, mechanics and technicians who work around the clock to support campus utility services. 

MSU has established a Temperature Set Point policy to provide comfort conditions in support of the university’s educational mission while advancing MSU’s energy conservation goals. Spaces on campus vary greatly in age, construction and function, so exceptions will occur.  

Space heaters are regulated because they can create system imbalances, overload building electrical circuits, and can use a significant amount of energy. If used improperly, space heaters can also become a fire hazard.

Where space temperatures fall within university guidelines, several low wattage personal heaters have been approved that meet safety and efficiency guidelines. Approved heaters are available through Spartan Marketplace. 

For urgent requests, please call ContactIPF at 517-353-1760 instead of sending an email or online ticket. Urgent requests include life safety, water leaks, broken windows or doors, or similar items that should be addressed within 24 hours. Life safety requests include items that involve human/animal life safety, research impacts or facility damage. For non-urgent requests: Submit a service request.

If you can't access an MSU system or service, or a technology issue is keeping you from your work, submit a request to the MSU IT Service Desk or call 517-432-6200.

The Multicultural Center is open regular hours: 

• Sundays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Recreation Sports and Fitness services are open regular hours: 

• Sundays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (IM East/Student Recreation and Wellness Center)
• Weekdays: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (IM East, Student Recreation and Wellness Center); 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (IM Circle) 

Resources available to students include:

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 517-355-8270, press 1
• Center for Survivors Crisis Hotline: 517-372-6666
• Center for Survivors Sexual Assault Healthcare Program: 517-353-2700
• Campus Health Services Nurse Line: 517-353-5557 

Yes. Primary Service Centers are open during their normal business hours. If a center needs to close, updated information — including its hours and directions to the nearest open center — will be posted. 

When the university lost power the systems that support the network and cell devices also went down. Both systems are stable now since the power has been stabilized. The data center was able to function through a backup generator which worked as intended through a power failure. All enterprise services are restored and stabilized.

Yes. Dining areas will remain open during their standard operating hours. However, some dining hall equipment relies on steam and is currently unavailable, so menus may be modified until normal operations are restored. 

Updates about dining operations, including any changes to hours or menus, will be shared by @EatatState on social media as needed. 

Yes. If menu changes are affecting your dietary needs, please speak with a dining hall manager or chef. They will work with you to identify available options.

If a service is unavailable, wait a few minutes and try again. Users should expect intermittent availability for some systems and applications while recovery efforts continue. Save your work frequently whenever possible.

The latest status of MSU IT applications and services is available at servicestatus.msu.edu.