Next week, UTD will shut down power to the academic core twice as crews begin the work to replace the damaged underground cable system that caused three power outages in March.
The first outage will begin May 2 at 7 p.m. and is scheduled to end May 3 at 6 a.m. The second outage will take place May 30 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. All buildings in the academic core will be impacted by both planned outages.
Chief of Operations Rafael Martín said that work crews will replace the M1 and M2 feeders — aging underground power cables installed in the late 2000s that failed last month — and install a temporary power bypass. Crews are expected to spend the four weeks between both outages replacing the underground cabling system that feeds the entire academic core. After the May 30 outage, the temporary bypass will be disconnected and the newly-installed lines energized.
Kelly Kinnard, assistant vice president for facilities services and operations, said six large backup generators will be placed in the empty field near the campus’ Central Energy Plant. Kinnard said the generators and bypass are meant to ensure the campus power grid remains operational during the repairs, requiring only two days of outage instead of the entire four-week repair period.
“We do not anticipate using [the generators], but we will have them just in case,” Kinnard said.
The work follows three power disruptions in March. The first was caused by a failed cable in the M1 feeder. The second, more disruptive outage occurred when an Atmos Energy contractor drilled through a duct bank carrying power distribution cables and failed to notify the university for days. The third was triggered when the overloaded M2 feeder tripped its circuit breaker.
Martín said the university is pursuing claims against Atmos and its contractor for the cost of repairs and for damages sustained by faculty and researchers. He said faculty who lost equipment or research materials should document their losses as the university will submit claims for reimbursement.
Throughout the May outages, pedestrian and vehicle traffic along Rutford Avenue will be temporarily rerouted. Pedestrian bridges have been installed over above-ground bypass power cables for safe crossing along the western edge of the roadway as of mid-April.
“Our intention is that this work will make our campus more stable and resilient in the future,” Martín said. “We thank you for your understanding and patience.”