Date: August 29, 2025

Topic: Explore the Beating Heart of Campus: UW Power Plant Tour

Speaker: Warren Midkiff, Power Plant Manager, Campus Energy and Utilities Operation, University of Washington

Abstract: Step beneath the surface and into the hidden world that keeps the University of Washington running—steam, chilled water, and backup electricity flow through over seven miles of tunnels to heat, cool, and power classrooms, dormitories, research labs, and critical facilities.

  • Tour Itinerary: 2 hours
  • Behind-the-scenes access to the Power Plant’s boilers, chillers, and expansive underground utility network.
  • Live demonstrations of how essential services—like heating, cooling, and emergency power—are generated, monitored, and delivered across campus.
  • Personal insights on the responsibilities, technology, and teamwork required to sustain campus infrastructure and the past, present, and future of the UW Power Plant.