Base residents play vital role in conserving energy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Gena Armstrong
  • Detachment 12, Air Force News Agency
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNEWS) --  A 3-percent reduction in energy consumption each year through 2015 as outlined by executive order has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of dollars at each base. For residents here, that energy reduction equates to about $930,000.

People who live on base are making a contribution by taking little steps at work and at home. Tech. Sgt. Andrew Malinich, the NCO in charge of heat operations here, gives examples of measures residents can take.

"They leave for the weekend, set their thermostat back a few degrees. That makes a big difference in energy savings," he said. 

Also, Sergeant Malinich said people should be aware of and prevent phantom loads. A phantom load occurs when an electric device continues using power, even when it is off. Some examples are cell phone and video game battery chargers, which sometimes get warm after they have been plugged in for a while. Also, any appliance that has an indicator light continues drawing electricity when it is not in use.

Individually, these power drains may seem insignificant. But when all the phantom loads across the base are added up, it becomes a big waste of energy. People can help out by simply unplugging things when not in use or use a power strip that has an on and off switch.

When residents save electricity, they also cut fuel and water costs. Bases like Misawa Air Base, Japan, produce their energy supply with steam plants. Fuel is burned in boilers that use water to create steam. That steam is sent through lines across the base to be used in heating and hot water systems.

By cutting back on energy usage and wasted electricity, residents not only lower costs, but they help conserve resources.

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

Click here to view the comments/letters page