The graph shows that despite increases in square footage space on campus between 2015 and 2019 (see "building" section), total energy usage intensity (EUI) remained virtually unchanged throughout the period. The EUI in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 saw significant declines due to (1) the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic that saw a reduction in energy usage across campus and (2) a sizable increase in building square footage during that period due to several new constructions on campus.

JMU purchases electricity from the grid via Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC). HEC receives its electricity from Dominion Energy.

Natural gas is burned at the West Campus power plant then transported to the East Campus power plant as steam. This is then transported to respective buildings for heat during the winter via a heat exchange. In the summer, the natural gas is transported as steam to turbine driven chillers at the East Campus Power Plant. Chilled water is generated as a result of this. The chilled water is then transferred to respective buildings to use for cooling during the summer. 

The abrupt decline in natural gas usage in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 were largely due the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic that saw a reduction in energy demand across campus.