October is Energy Awareness Month

Paying energy bills every month seems to be one of those tedious tasks; however, if you think you pay a lot for energy, imagine paying Ramstein’s bill of nearly $2 million each month.

The excess money that is spent on energy could be spent on Airmen Moral and Readiness programs or equipment for overseas contingency operations.

October is Energy Awareness Month. Since 1991, the Department of Energy has used this month to kick off its annual energy awareness campaign, promoting efficient uses of energy. This year’s theme, “Powering America … We’re on target,” highlights the use of renewable resources and energy conservation measures and places an emphasis on increased energy security.

The federal government is the largest consumer of energy in the U.S., the Department of Defense is the largest consumer of energy within the federal government, and the Air Force is the largest consumer of energy within the Department of Defense.

Because of this, the Air Force has the most potential for savings — not only in areas of aviation fuel, but also in facility energy conservation.

Ramstein’s energy team at the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron has many projects in the works, such as replacing old or broken appliances across the base with ones that are energy-efficient.

“We can replace appliances and save some money, but really a lot depends on the consumer,” said Dieter Christmann, 86th CES electrical engineer. “It takes cooperation on their part in order to save energy. It takes teamwork and discipline.”

There is a number of energy conservation “self help” initiatives that can make a difference:

» Maintain Space Temperature Standards: Cooling and heating season occupied thermostats set points are to be no lower than 76 degrees F.

» Lighting Opportunities: Turn off interior lights at the end of work day or when they are not needed, report any exterior lighting left on during daylight hours to facility maintenance at 480-2335, and replace incandescent light bulbs with
compact fluorescent bulbs.

» Appliances/Equipment: Turn off computer monitors, printers, scanners and other office equipment at the end of the work day. Computers connected to the network must remain on for security updates. Use of personal appliances such as coffee makers, refrigerators and microwaves should be minimized to the fullest extent and consolidated to break rooms only. Purchase only Energy Star rated products (appliances, equipment, etc.). Refer to the Energy Star Web site www.energystar.gov for a list of qualified products.

Each of us has an important part to play in conserving energy.

“If half of the more than 57,000 KMC residents followed these simple suggestions, the savings could be substantial,” said Peter Best, 86th CES utility contract manager.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions on how to save energy, contact Erik Aufdermauer at 480-7712 or 06371-47-7712

(Frank Barco, Tyndall resource

efficiency manager, contributed to this story)