'How Low Can You Go' to save energy

Published May 25, 2010
By Eglin Energy Management Center

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As summer approaches, Eglin's Energy Management Center is gearing up for its second 'How Low Can You Go?' campaign.

The goals of this campaign are simple: reduce Eglin's energy consumption over the Memorial Day weekend and make energy conservation a priority all summer long.

The first 'How Low Can You Go?' campaign saved about $11,000 during the Presidents' Day weekend, according to Jason Legg, Eglin Energy Management Center architect. This equates to using 91,692 kilowatt hours less than the same period in 2009.

Roughly one third of the total energy used here annually occurs between Memorial Day and Labor Day at a cost of more $6 million, according to center reports.

Approximately five percent of the power consumed on base and in people's homes is from 'standby' power or phantom energy loss. A phantom energy load refers to electric power consumed by electronic appliances while they are switched off or in standby mode. Adapters, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, computer monitors, printers and other electronic equipment with standby capabilities are a few examples of devices that draw power whenever they're plugged in. To minimize phantom energy loss, install power strips and surge suppressors that can be turned off with a single switch or unplug these type devices when they are not in use.