Keesler focuses on energy conservation

EWarrior, Keesler’s resident mascot for energy conservation, greets personnel Oct. 10, 2013, for the beginning of Energy Action Month at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The campaign to initiate more energy savings is Air Force wide for the rest of the month. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman)

Keesler focuses on energy conservation

Brig. Gen. Patrick Higby, 81st Training Wing commander, signs the new base energy policy Oct. 11, 2013 with members of the Civil Engineering department and the 81st TRW energy management program, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The Energy Action Month campaign began Oct. 10, to initiate more energy savings Air Force-wide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman)

Keesler focuses on energy conservation

Published Oct. 11, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler begins Energy Action Month with the signing of the new base energy policy on Oct. 11 by Brig. Gen. Patrick Higby., 81st Training Wing commander.

The policy outlines the years goal for Keesler which is an 11 percent reduction of electric and gas consumption.

The theme for the observance, "I am Air Force Energy," reminds every member of Team Keesler that energy conservation can be accomplished individually and on a daily basis.

"Every Airman, civilian employee, and contractor working at Keesler can help to ensure that important resources are protected through energy-conscious actions practiced in carrying out daily duties," said William Stevenson, Keesler energy manager. "The initiative is about consciously implementing the ideas of energy conservation."

Turning off lights, unplugging unused appliances, and sharing resources are all simple ways in which energy reduction goals can be achieved.

For the fiscal year 2013, Keesler's energy costs exceeded $1 million per month in electric and gas utilities. These utilities are projected to increase in cost over the next year, so it is crucial to work together in reducing usage in FY14.

"The push for energy reduction isn't really new," said Stevenson. "It's always been an Air Force priority, but this month is about raising awareness and actually implementing energy reduction."

Keesler's goal for this year is to meet the Air Force goal ahead of schedule and ensure the resources of tomorrow are available.