The University of Georgia is persistently making tactical investments in its infrastructure to bolster campus systems and alleviate the effects of power interruptions on education, research, and student experiences. Through innovative construction initiatives, utility enhancements, and strategic long-term planning, these endeavors are aimed at enhancing reliability and protecting essential operations.
“No campus is free from system interruptions, and although we will consistently strive to do everything feasible to avert them, our objective is to diminish their effects when they do arise,” stated Ryan Nesbit, vice president for finance and administration. “We’re concentrating on constructing infrastructure that’s reliable under stress and investing in various sectors to foster a robust, stable university atmosphere.”
A primary area of focus has been ensuring that newly built or renovated facilities are designed with durability as a priority. Numerous recent projects—such as the I-STEM Research Buildings, Science and Ag Hill Modernization Phases I and II, and the new School of Medicine Building—feature natural gas generators intended to supply immediate emergency power during outages.
Similar preparations are being made for student-centric facilities. The West Campus Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center, scheduled to launch in fall 2026, will be equipped with generator support to facilitate reduced dining functions during outages. Auxiliary Services is also investigating funding possibilities for a generator at the Joe Frank Harris Dining Commons to ensure reliable access to food services.
To further bolster research continuity, the university is allocating approximately $500,000 for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems to shield sensitive equipment from brief yet potentially harmful power fluctuations. These systems are being implemented in high-impact research environments such as the Center for Applied Isotope Studies and the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, which collectively possess over $100 million in equipment. In contrast to conventional generators, UPS systems offer immediate, battery-powered backup that maintains equipment stability during short interruptions, preserving data integrity and operational continuity.
The Facilities Management Division is collaborating with Georgia Power to upgrade the university’s primary electrical substation, which acts as the central power hub for the Athens campus. As part of a three-phase strategy, FMD is acquiring a new transformer to enhance capacity and improve load balancing. Other enhancements involve replacing outdated electrical components and increasing the substation’s physical security.
These upgrades also entail the expansion of wildlife deterrents and surveillance measures, in collaboration with experts from the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Although the substation is already equipped with extensive protections against animal interference, the outage on May 19 serves as a reminder that wildlife-related disruptions cannot be completely eradicated. These additional measures aim to further diminish the chances of future incidents and bolster overall system reliability.
Enterprise Information Technology Services is additionally spearheading initiatives to strengthen the university’s digital landscape.
“As the demands on campus systems increase, so does the necessity for infrastructure capable of handling them,” remarked Tim Chester, vice president for information technology. “We’re enhancing capacity and boosting reliability so the university can consistently function at a high level without overburdening the underlying technology.”
Enhancements are currently being made at the Boyd Data Center, which underpins UGA’s essential digital services, including network infrastructure, instructional technologies, and administrative systems. In 2024, EITS upgraded the data center’s two main backup power systems to higher-capacity versions. Future enhancements will include the installation of new electrical panels and HVAC components to accommodate rising power requirements and maintain optimal conditions for sensitive equipment.
Network reliability is also being fortified across campus through a multi-year initiative aimed at replacing outdated fiber optic cabling and upgrading over 180 building edge routers. These changes will expand bandwidth and improve the speed and reliability of internet access in classrooms, laboratories, and offices.
Looking forward, EITS is assessing plans for a new green field data center. This facility would aid in consolidating existing IT infrastructure into a more contemporary and energy-efficient space, with increased electrical capacity to accommodate future campus needs.
Collectively, these initiatives are strengthening the systems that support the university community, from energy reliability to digital connectivity. Each enhancement is part of a larger, proactive push to meet demand and ensure reliable operations.
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