Tinker aims to light the way in energy savings Published Oct. 9, 2008 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Tinker is the largest energy consumer in the Air Force, but ranks third in how much is spent on energy. In efforts to keep Tinker from becoming the base that spends the most on its energy, Tinker and Air Force officials are promoting a new motto - "Secure today's energy, fuel tomorrow's mission." The motto was introduced as part of October's Energy Awareness month, but will be used through the remainder of 2008. "The more diligent we are with our energy choices will ensure that we will have the energy sources necessary to carry out missions in the future," said John Hurd, Tinker's energy manager. "The bottom line is we do not want to be left with missions to do, and no resources to do them." Tinker officials spent nearly $8 million on utilities in summer 2007 and roughly $40 million over the entire year. While the base does make a concerted effort to save energy, Tinker personnel can help reduce the overall spending for 2008 by being cognizant about their energy usage and saving energy where they can. "This is a very precarious position as utility rates in this energy culture are extremely volatile," Mr. Hurd said. "The Air Force is targeting large energy consumers and they have Tinker AFB in the cross-hairs." The base has two prominent energy savings programs. The Utility Energy Services Contract and Energy Savings Performance Contract have been around since the late 1990s. They are used to update and install more efficient equipment. The UESC was most recently used for replacing old technology lighting with more efficient bulbs in four buildings: 3225, 3228, 2280 and 3102. An ESPC was recently awarded for $9.2 million to update lights and change the heating configuration in the Navy and Alert areas. Rather than have one larger boiler running constantly, several smaller boilers will be used as needed. Tinker officials will also soon award another ESPC, one that will significantly reduce losses in steam distribution and save the Air Force millions of dollars. In the meantime, Tinker officials said personnel are encouraged to be mindful of their energy usage. "Use common sense," Mr. Hurd said. "If you're not going to do something at home because it would cost you too much, don't do it here. Take all the steps you can to limit energy consumption." Mr. Hurd said Tinker personnel could dress appropriately for the season instead of relying on an air conditioning system or heater to keep them comfortable. Turn off a light switch when leaving a room will save energy; so will switching a coffeemaker or lamp to the "off" position when leaving at the end of a workday. Mr. Hurd said doing little things will help stretch the dollar further, similar to what motorists do to go further on a tank of gas. "There's not a lot to do [to prevent the rise] in cost, but you can control what you use," Mr. Hurd said.