Students were a given a break this year when the University suspended the energy surcharge fee for the 2008 spring semester, spring intercession and summer session. The energy surcharge was implemented in fall 2001 to offset the cost of utilities caused by energy use in academic buildings, Mike Naquin, assistant vice president of the Controller’s Office, said.

This fee is determined after an overview of expected energy costs is compared to available funds along with anticipated collections of the semester. After this analysis is completed, the University changes the fee accordingly.

In the 2007 fall semester, full-time students were charged a $60 fee to cover energy use.

“At some time after the 2008 spring semester, another analysis will be done to determine if the fee needs to be reinstated in the 2008 fall semester,” Naquin said.

Naquin also explained that students who had already paid this fee before the suspension was finalized will be given a refund, provided the students have no outstanding debts. If students have debts, they will be issued a credit.

“Invoice amounts for students who have not yet paid their fees will be reduced where necessary by the removal of the energy surcharge fee,” Naquin said.

Naquin said the completion of the new residence halls this fall will have no effect on the energy surcharge fee. The fee does not include energy use in residence halls.