Simon Wang
Electricity meters will be trialed at the Grosvenor House hall of residence, following debate at the most recent meeting of the Residences User Group (RUG).
Consumption of energy has been found to be particularly high in Grosvenor House. Consequently, an electricity meter trial will be introduced to prevent wastage of energy and prevent further cost increases.
Louise Robinson, the LSESU Residences’ Officer and a member of RUG, described the trial as “worthwhile” and hoped that it would lead to “positive changes in behaviour” on the part of students.
However, there are concerns that additional “complexities” need to be accounted for. Robinson observed that some students “might naturally have to consume more energy for health reasons”, but as yet, the particular needs of certain residents have not been accounted for. A progress update is expected at forthcoming RUG meetings.
Also this week, some students have challenged the charging system used to penalise for poor conduct in halls. Students have complained that sometimes the fines they pay directly to halls’ committees bear little resemblance to the direct cost of damage to facilities.
Robinson said that neither wardens nor students have been consulted about the latest changes to the charging system and was highly critical of the fine structure. She said, “there are some ludicrous examples of charges, £100 is charged per bodily fluid, for example.”
Most of this revenue is “sucked backed into LSE and the Ocean cleaning company bureaucracy”. In reality, only a small percentage of this amount is needed for cleaning services..
The RUG is also addressing the issue of halls security, suggesting that the LSE establish a continued dialogue between those working within Residences, local community officers and the police force. The new head of LSE Security, Paul Thornbury, has residences under his remit to coordinate the School’s management of residences more effectively.