Ironically, a sluggish economy could provide financial relief to students paying energy surcharge fees and higher energy bills.
“I think a slowing economy means less energy will be used,” University Provost John Moseley said, because so much energy is purchased on the spot market. An economic downturn likely means less energy will be purchased.
The University instituted a $30 energy surcharge in student incidental fees last spring and hopes the culmination of the fee and more vigilant conservation by University students and officials can cover the rising cost of scarce energy.
Moseley said the fee could drop if energy costs drop, and it will never be more than $30 each term. In fact, schools can’t raise the surcharge above that rate because the Oregon University System gave its seven schools, including the University, a price ceiling for the fee.
“There is a level in the current operating budget that they can enact the surcharge up to a certain level,” OUS spokesman Bob Bruce said. “Up to $30 per term.”

— Eric Martin