The windows of NIU’s residence halls will be dark tonight if the Residence Hall Association’s plan for a blackout succeeds.

A is holding a blackout tonight from 8 to 8:15 p.m., said Joe Scheidler, RHA’s vice president of administration.

“The room and board rates go up every year. One of the reasons is the cost of utilities. We want students to turn off their room lights at 8 p.m. for 15 minutes to make them aware of the high costs and the need to conserve energy,” he said.

Scheidler said that a blackout was held last year in protest of Commonwealth Edison’s increase in utility costs. “This year we just want to make the students aware,” he said.

A is asking for Resident Assistant support. Scheidler said, “The RAs were helpful last year by going around their floor, asking students to participate. We want them to inform the students.”