As previously communicated, campus is scheduled to be closed due to a planned power outage Sunday, May 16, at 7 a.m., until Wednesday, May 19, at 7 p.m. This project has been the subject of careful planning efforts since late 2020. Regular meetings with contractors and sub-contractors to review timeline, delivery schedules, and work plans has been ongoing for several months.  

The manufacturer of the key switchgear components originally anticipated shipping equipment to Drake in April. Due to significant disruptions in the supply chain, we were notified last week that this equipment is now scheduled for shipment during the week of May 10. This means that there is a chance the shipment will not arrive in sufficient time for us to effectively complete the project on the previously scheduled dates.

We have established that if by Thursday, May 13, all project components are not on site or confirmed for arrival, a delay will be necessary and there will be no power outage May 16–19. If the project is delayed, the campus will be open as usual on those days and a new switchgear installation schedule will be planned for later this summer, after careful consultation with academic and key operational areas on campus.

Communication will be sent to campus via email on the morning of Thursday, May 13, with information on the project’s status. We remain hopeful that we can proceed as planned. At the same time, it is important that we communicate with the campus community and develop alternate plans in the event  a delay is required.

Thank you for patience and understanding in this matter.

— Kevin Moran, Facilities Planning & Management