Base Energy Team helps Edwards save energy Published May 20, 2009 By Enrique Torres 95th Civil Engineer and Transportation Directorate EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Last year, Edwards paid approximately $16 million for our electricity. Most of that cost occurred between May through September. This is due to demand on our air conditioning on base and the increase peak demand charged by the electrical utility company. The Base Energy Team is doing their part by upgrading our equipment with more energy efficient models and analyzing our electrical consumption to identify saving opportunities. Edwards' peak demand charges from the utility company occur between noon and 2 p.m. That can cost as much as $10 per kW. Edwards also reaches maximum loads at approximately 2 to 5 p.m. The Base Energy Team has received energy conservation ideas and knows many of the tenants on Edwards want to do their part to conserve. This week the base will kick off the Summer Energy Conservation program by raising building temperatures and turning off equipment that is considered non-essential. There are a number of simple energy things we all can do. One example is to avoid the use of large appliances, such as washing clothes or running dish washers, during the peak demand hours from 2 to 5 p.m. Use detergents that can be used with cold water. Close window blinds and raise air conditioning temperatures to 78 degrees. Be more aware of energy conservation and turn off energy consuming devices when they are not in use. For more information, call 277-3293.