Our Services

The University of Texas at Austin’s utility system is operated by Utilities & Energy Management (UEM). UEM generates electricity and steam, provides high-voltage electrical distribution, produces and distributes chilled water, and maintains elevator and escalator systems. Below are some of our main services.

Operations

Operations generates electric power, chilled water, heating steam and hot water, and other auxiliary utility services for main campus buildings connected to distribution networks. The Operations' project management team facilitates early planning of utility infrastructure serving UT Austin campus construction projects through close coordination with the campus, Capital Planning and Construction (CPC), and the City of Austin. The team also advocates for the consistent adoption of UEM design guidelines, standards, and specifications across all UT System and campus projects. This team also provides administrative management of large utility expansion projects, maintenance and renovation, and refurbishment projects to ensure these projects are built to the university’s standards of quality and efficiency while being on time and within budget.

Team

  • Director of Utilities for Operations: Ryan L. Thompson, PE
  • Assistant Director of Plant Operations: Clay L. Looney
  • Chiller Maintenance Manager: Steven E. Schoelzel
  • Assistant Director of Plant Maintenance: Chase Dube
  • Assistant Director of Project Management Services: Todd W. Shaw, PMP
  • Project Manager: Jordan Rosinski
  • Work Process Manager, Holly Mittel, PMP
Electrical Distribution & Elevator Services

Electrical Distribution (ED) maintains and repairs all system components: transformers, switches, street lights, sports lighting, breakers, and associated equipment. ED also services emergency standby electrical systems, protective devices and controls, revenue metering and monitoring. Additionally, ED provides oversight of the exterior electrical distribution system for the university’s main campus, off-campus student housing, Pickle Research Campus and Whitaker Fields. The electrical distribution network includes all of the equipment from the Power Plant or incoming power supply to each building’s main power switchgear. ED is also responsible for the operation, maintenance, and inspection of elevators, escalators, wheelchair lifts, and dumbwaiters. Additionally, ED provides and reviews specifications for both modernization and new construction projects.

Team

  • Associate Director for Electrical Distribution & Elevators: Rossen Tzartzev, PE
  • Assistant Director for Electrical Distribution: Moses A. Kai, PE
  • Electrical Distribution Supervisor: Lucas A. Larson
  • Elevator Manager: Matthew Pike
Mechanical Distribution

Mechanical Distribution operates and maintains a network of distribution piping, valves, meters and other components to provide the following services:

  • potable, irrigation, reclaimed, and deionized water
  • steam
  • natural gas
  • compressed air as well as a network of recovered water
  • wastewater and stormwater collection systems

The team also manages the UT Dig Safe program for on-campus excavation/utility tap requests.

Team

  • Associate Director for Mechanical Distribution: Leonard Friesenhahn, PE
  • Assistant Director for Mechanical Distribution: Jim Shrull, LEED AP
  • Plant Maintenance Supervisor: Thomas R. Parker
Energy Management & Strategic Programs

Energy Management & Strategic Programs (EMSP) provides energy efficiency in campus buildings and in the power plant through innovation, state-of-the-art technologies and optimization tools and oversees the following service areas:

  • Campus Energy Management
  • Plant Energy Management
  • Electrical and Instrumentation
  • Engineering Services
  • Instruments and Controls
  • Metering and Controls
  • Programming
  • Strategic Programs

Team

  • Director for Energy Management & Strategic Programs: Roberto Del Real, PE
  • Assistant Director for Process Controls: Eduardo Juvera
  • Assistant Director for Electrical Power: Akram Abderrahmani
  • Assistant Director for Energy Management: Adam Keeling, PE
  • Engineering Manager: VACANT
  • Strategic Programs Manager: Nelson B. Bishop, PE
Support Services

Support Services provides centralized support functions and services to the operational divisions of UEM in the areas of strategic initiatives, administrative planning, communications, budget preparation, safety programs and safety training.

Team

  • Assistant Director of Support Services: Isidora Sanchez, PMP
  • Program Manager: Anthony Garza
  • Support Services Manager: Michael Trejo

 

Business & Financial Services

Business & Financial Services serves campus customers, vendors and UEM staff with billing, reporting, accounts payable, purchasing and vending services.

Visit the Business and Financial Services Website

  • Assistant Director for Contracts & Purchasing: Loren Matus
  • Manager for Billing and Operating Accounts: Vianey Borrego