VCU-Dominion energy partnership

As it leads the way in addressing sustainability challenges, VCU has found a partner in Dominion, one of the nation’s leading energy providers.

The university and Dominion announced an agreement in March to use the VCU School of Engineering’s West Hall as a five-year micro-grid project test site for researching efficient energy technologies.

VCU and Dominion, through its Alternative Energy Solutions group, will split the $500,000 cost of the project, which includes the installation of hardware, control systems and solar panels to enable both parties to gather voltage data and analyze energy volume, timing, noise and cleanliness, as well as establish energy usage trends and equipment performance.

The project will also involve making continuous, real-time energy adjustments to the building, lights and equipment, which is expected to reduce energy costs by $20,000, or 4 percent, annually.