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A board overseeing the state’s 11 public universities will ask state lawmakers for more money to keep the lights on. Skyrocketing utility cost are putting a dent in schools’ budgets. The University System’s Board of Governors predicts a 20 percent increase in utility cost. They’ll ask lawmakers for a 30 million dollars budget increase to keep up with the rising cost. Many universities are already removing lights and turning up the A/C to save money. Florida State University Assistant V.P. of Facilities Dennis Bailey said the cost of energy continues to go up, but their budget stays flat.

“Our problem is keeping up with the increasing utility cost each year, that’s exacerbated by the fact that our allowance from the state hasn’t changed. Once we get an allowance from the state it stays the same year after year,” said Baily.

The Board of Governors will also ask lawmakers for an extra 65 million dollars to keep quality professors from leaving Florida to work at out-of-state colleges.