MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- In a strong effort to save money and conserve energy, Station officials have asked residence to conserve electricity in their homes and workspaces.
Green Outs, the voluntary act of turning off unnecessary electricity at work or at home, will run sporadically through the summer months.
"Last year we called Green Out 10 times," said Chief Petty Officer Richard Robinson, Utilities Division of Facilities energy conservation manager. "When we call Green Out we're asking Station residents and workers to cut back on their electrical consumption."
The Station Facilities Office requests lights be turned off, fans or air conditioners be lowered or shut off when rooms are unoccupied, keep all doors and windows closed, and to not use washing machines and dryers until after 4 p.m.
"The Station has an electrical peak demand limit of 13,800 kilowatts per hour that we cannot break. If we break that amount, even a small amount penalizes us and our rates go up for the remainder of our contract with the local power company.
"Think of it like having car insurance when you get into an accident. You have to pay a deductible (penalty) and your premium (rates) goes up," added Robinson.
The Station electrical readings are taken at the Electrical Substation across from M.C. Perry Elementary School. Every hour the meter is read and determines how much electricity the Station uses, Monday through Friday, starting at 8 a.m. during the summer months. Facilities monitor the electrical readings throughout the day.
"If we see an upward trend in consumption and it's getting close to our limit then I would recommend to the Facilities officer that Green Out should be called. This decision is not taken lightly and the Facilities officer goes to great lengths not to impact the Stations quality of life," said Robinson. "But if calling 'Green Out' ultimately saves the Station thousands of dollars in electrical bills then that call will be made."
The voluntary efforts put forth by the Station residents during Green Out periods will help prevent future electrical power outages and paying costly electrical prices.
For more information on Green Outs, contact the Station Utilities Division of Facilities at 253-4556.