Ellsworth plans energy efficient future

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (ACCNS) --  In correlation with Energy Awareness Month, the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron is highlighting several energy-reducing alternatives for the housing and workplaces of Ellsworth to decrease energy use and cut costs.

The Air Force Energy Strategy to reduce demand, increase supply, and change AF culture supports both presidential and Department of Defense directives for greater energy independence.

"It's also fueled by cost," said Dell Petersen, 28 CES base energy manager. "You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't think we should reduce our energy dependency."

The best way Ellsworth can ensure the DoD saves money is if Airmen focus on energy conservation in their work centers and residencies, said Lt. Col. John Allen, 28 CES commander.  

In order to become more energy efficient, Airmen must set aside the time.

"The first thing Airmen should do is take the time to walk around and inspect their dwellings while the weather is still warm," Mr. Petersen said. "This way they can spot any cracks, holes or gas and water leaks which may cause them to crank up their thermostat during winter or waste water when they could have just made a service call."

Mr. Petersen also recommends setting thermostats no higher than 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Keeping to these guidelines will help minimize energy use.

Investing in digital thermostats, which are easier for people to read, is also a wise investment, he said. This will prevent thermostats from increasing or decreasing in temperatures, causing unnecessary energy use.

In the search for more convenient heat sources during the winter, Airmen may begin using space heaters. However, the use of space heaters to provide better heat during the winter months is not permitted in base housing, dormitories or in the work place.

"Space heaters are not an acceptable alternative to wearing warmer clothes. They are energy inefficient, potentially fire hazards and are not authorized unless otherwise approved by the fire chief," Colonel Allen said.

Another energy-reducing method Mr. Petersen recommends is installing 60-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs in homes.

"The Ellsworth 28 CES has already replaced more than 800 traditional light bulbs in the Borglum Hall dormitory and has already received a shipment of 2,000 more," Mr. Petersen said.

The use of fluorescent light fixtures in offices also makes a difference. These fixtures, operating 24 hours each day, costs $11 per year in energy, he said.

"If Ellsworth changes its habits and invests time in inspecting for home repairs or installing fluorescent lights, then we can reinvest these energy savings into better equipment for Ellsworth," Mr. Petersen said.

Whether it means simply checking that all the lights are shut off when you leave your house or turning off the water while you brush your teeth, all Ellsworth personnel must strive to be good stewards of the environment and the taxpayer dollar, Mr. Petersen said. This can only be accomplished through reducing unnecessary energy use.