Moody strives to save more than $42K in energy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In recent years, the Air Force has been identified as one of the largest consumers of energy in the federal government, spending more than $1 billion a year.

Moody members are asked to play a part in helping the Air Force decrease energy consumption as part of Energy Awareness Month.

Moody's goal is to reduce last October's electric usage rate by approximately 604,000 kilowatts-hour, saving $42,884.

"We want to reduce how much we spend on electricity this month to set the pace throughout the year," said Althea Spriggs, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron resource efficiency manager. "This will allow Moody to meet the goal set Air Force-wide and use the money we save for local requirement. We want to be aggressive in reaching our goals and eventually exceeding them."

The 23rd CES has identified numerous problem areas base personnel can concentrate on while conserving energy, whether it be at work, home or school.

"We are asking everyone to get in the habit of doing simple tasks such as turning off lights, computer monitors, printers and other equipment items when not in use as well as setting back thermostats for unattended rooms," said Mrs. Spriggs. "All these small things will add up to bigger savings on energy costs for Moody."

One of the small ways to reduce energy consumption is to replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights. For every incandescent bulb replaced with a CFL, the base will save approximately $35.74 and 470 kWh of electricity.

When base personnel forget the small things, there's one person designated to remember. Building managers play an integral role in the energy conservation effort.

"One of our responsibilities is to implement energy saving programs, policies and practices within our assigned facilities," said Staff Sgt. Clayton Chapman, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight's facility manager. "We ensure that thermostats are set at correct temperatures, all windows and doors are closed and insulated properly, plumbing fixtures are not leaking and to watch for energy misuse.

"Bottom line, when we reduce the amount of energy used by a facility, we save valuable tax dollars and resources," he added.

To help remind the base populace that conserving energy saves valuable government resources, Moody's energy team will be available at exhibit tables located in the Base Exchange to provide information and will also speak to children at the Youth Center as well as six Valdosta and Lowndes County schools to spread energy awareness. 

The team consists of Mrs. Spriggs, Don Montgomery, 23rd CES base energy manager, and Mark Davis, intern from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Ga.

"We want to help as much as we can to conserve energy," she said. "Starting the new fiscal year off right with energy awareness outreach is the mindset everyone should have. We should be aware of the ways we can conserve energy at home, work and school."