Norfolk State University recently sent out an email to students threatening to fine those living in off-campus university housing who rack up high electricity bills, per 13 News Now. The $25 fine will apply to apartments where the electricity bill reaches or exceeds $250.
Previously, the public historically black university covered the entire power bill for these students without charging additional fees.
University officials said the policy addresses financial strain from high power consumption. The email further stated that excessive usage “places a financial strain on the department and the community, which is why this policy is being enforced.”
Additionally, the message also noted that while students do not pay the electricity bill directly, the costs covered by the university “cannot continue at this level.”
13 News Now asked Emariyon Johnson, a senior at the university, about this new fine. Johnson told the outlet that he only learned about it for the first time when asked about it.
“That’s news to me, because when we first got here, I guess it was covered by the school,” Johnson said.
He also noted that email may not have been the most effective way to get the message out.
“I feel like they should advertise it more, because I feel like a lot of people going to get caught up with, ‘I didn’t know that,’” he said.
Still, Johnson is proceeding with caution, noting that he plans to “unplug things that I am not using” to avoid the fine.
The university included energy-saving tips in its message to students. Officials said the goal is to encourage responsible habits. “Our goal is to promote responsible energy use and help keep housing costs manageable for everyone,” the university stated.
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