College Deploys Info. Systems to Take $700,000 "Byte" From Yearly Gas Bills.(Rochester Institute of Technology energy saving methods)

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-By gaining the most up-to-date gas industry information from satellite hookups, Internet applications, and computer programs, energy managers at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) here were able to take advantage of the changes in the open market, falling transportation rates, and increased reliability in gas to shave $700,000 from the school's annual natural gas bills. Since 1986, RIT has bought gas from the well head and transported it to the university's burner tips as a means to save money. The school has acquired several applications in recent years that help make the most intelligent gas purchasing decisions for the 400,000 decatherms consumed annually for heating, cooling, and cooking needs. The university expects to save $704,404 in gas bills this year, after cutting costs by $777,169 in 1997 and $1,170,196 in 1996. Savings are down slightly …