October Energy Awareness Month is just the beginning

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connor Estes
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As October draws to an end so does Energy Awareness Month. However, we need to continue to find ways to reduce our energy consumption.

While it may seem obvious what needs to be done to save energy, many people do not incorporate these actions into their daily lives.

"Everyone should optimize all of our assets on the base," said Tony DeSimone," 48th Civil Engineer Squadron, chief of asset optimization.

This can be done by simply using energy efficient items such as light bulbs. If you live on base, the self-help store has a supply of these energy efficient bulbs available.

"Using 220V appliances instead of 110V appliances can save a lot of money because using transformers uses a great deal of energy to convert between the two voltages," said Mr. DeSimone." "It is very important to turn off transformers when they are not in use."

There are more than environmental benefits to saving energy.

"Reducing our energy consumption will allow more dollars to be used for jet fuel, military training, designing of future aircraft and quality of life," said Parviz Tigeri, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron energy manager for RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell.

Some base housing residents may think that it isn't important to monitor their energy usage because it is paid for by the base. However, the more money saved on energy bills base wide equates to additional money available for improvements to raise the quality of life for base residents.

RAF Lakenheath continues to strive to improve its energy consumption. One example is in base housing.

"Lakenheath has recently been funded for extra insulation," said Ian Lancaster, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron, capital asset housing manager. "Also, 606 houses are being replaced in Liberty Village which will meet the latest UK energy requirements. "The improvements will also extend to RAF Feltwell, where 56 new homes will be built with solar power panels, which will preheat water systems reducing energy consumption."

What are some steps that base residents can take to contribute to the effort?

"One thing that people can do is turn the thermostat down," said Mr. Lancaster. "During the winter some residents heat their homes too high and then have to open up windows. 20 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Another thing that residents can do is to hang laundry out to dry when the weather is nice. The dryer is the most energy consuming item."

Currently $5 million dollars is being used to purchase more energy efficient appliances for base housing.

RAF Lakenheath is taking many steps to reduce its energy consumption, which will reduce costs and allow money to be spent on quality of life. Please do your part in conserving energy in your homes and workplace to contribute to the effort. Remember the saying, "Not in use, turn off the juice!"

If you have any energy-related questions, ideas or concerns, please call DSN 226-3017.