Lajes prepares for energy awareness month Published Oct. 8, 2010 65th Civil Engineer Squadron LAJES FIELD, Azores -- Summer has come to a close, and we're all looking forward to more tolerable temperatures in the coming weeks. Even better news: this means your power bill is likely to go down. But if you think you pay a lot for energy, imagine paying Lajes bill of nearly $260 thousand each month! It's money that could be spent on our Airmen, their readiness, or our weapons systems. October is Energy Awareness Month. Since 1991, the Department of Energy has used this month to kick off its annual energy awareness campaign, promoting efficient uses of energy. This year's theme is "Powering America." We're on target here at Lajes. Lajes has taken various steps forward with the use of renewable resources and our energy conservation measures. The federal government is the largest consumer of energy in the U.S.; the Department of Defense is the largest consumer of energy within the federal government; and finally the Air Force is the largest consumer of energy within the DoD. Thus, the Air Force has the most potential for savings not only in the area of aviation fuel, but also in facility energy conservation. This theme of Powering America further supports the Air Force's overall mission to Fly, Fight, and Win, and reinforces its energy strategy to Reduce Demand, Increase Supply, and Change the Culture. Lajes has an objective to reduce energy intensity by three percent a year from a baseline FY 2003 and a cumulative goal of 30 percent reduction by FY 2015. The energy team has many projects in the works such as energy conservation improvements on multi facilities, solar water heating, upgrading lighting to energy-efficient fixtures and other projects. However, it's going to take teamwork and discipline. There is a number of energy conservation "self help" initiatives that can make a difference: MAINTAIN SPACE TEMPERATURE STANDARDS: Cooling season occupied thermostats set points are to be no lower than 75 degrees F. Heating season occupied thermostats set points are to be no higher than 68 degrees F. LIGHTING OPPORTUNITIES: Turn off interior lights at the end of the work day or when they are not needed. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Appliances / Equipment Turn off computer monitors, printers, scanners, and other office equipment at the end of the work day. Desktop computers connected to the network must remain on for security updates. Use of personal appliances, such as coffee makers, refrigerators and microwaves, should be minimized to the fullest extent and consolidated to break rooms only. Purchase only Energy Star® rated products (appliances, equipment, etc.). Refer to Energy Star® Web site (www.energystar.gov) for a list of qualified products. To highlight this year's event, Lajes Energy Team will host an Energy Expo October 20th at the Recreation Center building T-307 from 1200 to 1700. We invite each of you to visit the tent display and learn how you can make a difference. Each of us has an important part to play in conserving energy..... Make Energy a Consideration in All We Do. If you have energy conservation questions, comments, or suggestions, contact your Base Energy Manager.