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Energy Star program kicks into high gear

  • Published
  • By Greg Allen
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  If the base's energy conservation program were an election, early results would be hinting at a landslide victory. 

In less than a month more than 230 refrigerators in work areas throughout Cannon have been identified for turn in, said Steve Meyers, the base resource efficiency manager. An additional 11 microwave ovens will be cleared out of personal work areas as well. 

"The program also calls for the removal of personal coffee pots," he added, "but because the individual value is usually less than $30, we suggest people recycle them." 

The energy program kicked into high gear when one Air Force building, not at Cannon, was discovered to house 58 personal refrigerators, said Mr. Meyers. Maj. Gen. Kurt Cichowkski, Air Force Special Operations vice commander, then instructed an AFSOC-wide program be undertaken to remove inefficient, energy wasting items such as refrigerators, microwaves and coffee pots that were kept in personal areas. 

"Shared appliances used by an entire office are not affected, although all should be energy efficient," said Mr. Meyers. "Energystar.gov is a Web site that lists those items approved for purchase and use." 

The program is another tool Cannon leadership has undertaken to reduce energy costs throughout the base. Since September, the base has replaced older bulbs with more than 18,000 energy-efficient light bulbs. This program alone is expected to save $73,000 annually, said Mr. Meyers, an increase from the original forecasted saving of $64,000. The exchange program now sees about 1,000 inefficient light bulbs being exchanged monthly. 

Iman Gaballa is the base utilities manager here and part of his job is to keep track of how much energy is used. For him energy used is energy wasted in many instances. He thinks the ongoing energy conservation efforts will go a long way to reducing waste, 

"It's about our economy, and where we should spend our money," he said. He keeps track of the bill, works with contracting to identify the myriad types of utilities used and for what purpose. He also has to work and submit reports to AFSOC on wing energy costs, 

"These (energy saving) programs will minimize what we have to spend on electricity, gas and water," said Mr. Gaballa. "Its money that can be used better somewhere else." 

Individuals and units that still need to turn in refrigerators, microwaves or coffee pots should send an e-mail to steven.meyers@cannon.af.mil with a point of contact as soon as possible. A time will be scheduled for pick up. Make sure the items are clean and refrigerators are defrosted. They should have their cords wrapped and the items should be marked as serviceable or unserviceable. Personnel must be on hand to help with the loading. 

For more information, call (575) 784-0349.

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