The University of Georgia continues to make strategic investments in infrastructure to strengthen campus systems and mitigate the impact of power outages on teaching, research and student life. Through new construction projects, utility upgrades and long-term planning, these efforts aim to improve reliability and safeguard essential operations.
“No campus is immune to system disruptions, and while we will continue to do everything reasonably possible to prevent them from happening, our goal is to reduce their impact when they do happen,” said Ryan Nesbit, vice president for finance and administration. “We’re focused on building infrastructure that’s dependable under pressure and investing across multiple areas to support a strong, stable university environment.”
A key focus area has been ensuring that new and renovated facilities are built with resilience in mind. Several recently completed or ongoing projects — such as the I-STEM Research Buildings, Science and Ag Hill Modernization Phases I and II, and the new School of Medicine Building — include natural gas generators designed to provide immediate emergency power in the event of an outage.
Similar planning is underway for student-focused facilities. The West Campus Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center, set to open in fall 2026, will have generator support to enable scaled-down dining operations during outages. Auxiliary Services is also exploring funding options for a generator at the Joe Frank Harris Dining Commons to help ensure consistent access to food services.
To further support research continuity, the university is investing approximately $500,000 in Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems to protect sensitive equipment from brief but potentially damaging power fluctuations. These systems are being installed in high-impact research areas such as the Center for Applied Isotope Studies and the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, which together house more than $100 million in equipment. Unlike traditional generators, UPS systems provide instant, battery-based backup that keeps equipment stable during brief interruptions, helping to preserve data integrity and operational continuity.
The Facilities Management Division is working with Georgia Power to modernize the university’s main electrical substation, which serves as the central power hub for the Athens campus. As part of a three-phase plan, FMD is purchasing a new transformer to expand capacity and improve load balancing. Other improvements include replacing aging electrical components and upgrading the substation’s physical security.
Part of those upgrades include expanding wildlife deterrents and surveillance measures with support from specialists in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and the College of Veterinary Medicine. While the substation already has extensive protections against animal interference, the outage on May 19 serves as a reminder that wildlife-related disruptions cannot be entirely eliminated. These added measures aim to further reduce the risk of future incidents and strengthen overall system reliability.
Enterprise Information Technology Services is also leading efforts to reinforce the university’s digital environment.
“As the demands on campus systems grow, so does the need for infrastructure that can handle them,” said Tim Chester, vice president for information technology. “We’re increasing capacity and improving reliability so the university can continue to operate at a high level without straining the technology behind it.”
Improvements are underway at the Boyd Data Center, which supports UGA’s core digital services, including network infrastructure, instructional technologies and administrative systems. In 2024, EITS upgraded the data center’s two primary backup power systems to higher-capacity models. Future improvements include installing new electrical panels and HVAC components to meet increasing power demands and maintain proper conditions for sensitive equipment.
Network reliability is also being strengthened across campus through a multi-year initiative to replace outdated fiber optic cabling and upgrade more than 180 building edge routers. These changes will expand bandwidth and improve the speed and reliability of internet access in classrooms, labs, and offices.
Looking ahead, EITS is evaluating plans for a new green field data center. This facility would help consolidate existing IT infrastructure into a more modern and energy-efficient space, with increased electrical capacity to meet future campus needs.
Together, these projects are strengthening the systems that support the university community, from energy reliability to digital connectivity. Each improvement is part of a broader, forward-looking effort to stay ahead of demand and ensure dependable operations.
