Tinker saves money, energy

Published July 23, 2010
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Way to go Tinker! During the three-day July 4 holiday weekend, base personnel saved an estimated $40,000 in energy consumption.

Officials said if personnel continue to participate in "How Low Can We Go" energy conservation campaigns and practice summer energy-saving tips, the results will be two-fold. Tinker should reach its goal to save 4 percent of energy per square foot annually and summer could be a less expensive utility-usage season.

"Keep up the good work," said Britton Young, a mechanical engineer with the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineering Directorate. "Spread the word and talk to each other about it because it does make a difference. We're saving money and we're helping the environment."

"How Low Can We Go" is an initiative to encourage personnel to limit energy usage when away from the office. First introduced in October 2009 for the three-day Columbus Day holiday weekend, civil engineers encouraged base personnel to turn off and unplug non-essential equipment in the office before leaving for the night or an extended period of time.

Following the Columbus Day weekend success, the campaign was practiced again during the four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend and over the three-day Memorial Day weekend. During the Memorial Day weekend, approximately $45,000 was saved.

Tinker typically spends $120,000 each day on utilities, not including summer peak hours. Between 2 and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday from June 1 to Sept. 30 is known as "peak hours." During that time, the cost of electricity increases more than five times -- from 3.2 cents per kilowatt hour to 17 cents for the same unit because of peak usage.

Case in point, Cory Futrell, assistant base energy manager, said a shift operating from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be approximately 45 percent more expensive in utility costs than a 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift.

"It's extra important to concentrate on conservation during those times," Mr. Futrell said. "It's critical that Tinker turn off any non-essential equipment during these hours."

To help conserve energy during summer peak hours, be cognizant of your actions. Use stairs instead of an elevator, install energy-efficient light bulbs as the older, traditional ones will create extra heat and use more energy; and make sure the air conditioning is running efficiently and on an as-needed basis.

"Saving energy is only part of the goal," Ms. Young said. "We also have to save money, because we have to think about the greater mission of the Air Force. It's no secret that the budget is getting tighter and tighter and if we spend it on things like utilities, it's not going to the warfighter."