MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNIE, Japan (July 16, 2015) -- During summer months, electrical power usage surges at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. In an effort to reduce the high consumption, “green outs” are issued station- wide.
Green outs are the voluntary effort by station residents to reduce electricity usage during peak-demand hours of the day, which usually fall between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
By turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, turning off air-conditioning units, delaying the use of electrical appliances such as washing machines and dryers until after 5 p.m., and turning off non-mission essential TV’s and monitors, residents may reduce their electrical power usage.
The amount of power used on base is constantly monitored by energy management officials. A green out is typically administered when power usage reaches approximately 97 percent. Factors such as the time of day and the temperature and humidity levels are also used to help determine when a green out is issued.
Renovations, such as updated heating and cooling systems and installing more energy efficient lights have been made to reduce energy usage. In May, the U.S. Marine Corps implemented the unit energy manager program, which appoints a unit energy manager in each unit for the responsibility of promoting energy conservation, turning off lights and watching the thermostat.
“The installation is obviously growing and our electricity use is going to go up, so we have to balance how often we do a green out,” said Andrew Glumac, a member of the station energy management team.
Station residents can take several measures to help conserve energy and keep comfortable before or during a green out. Installing insulated window shades blocks direct sunlight and radiated heat from outside and using fans to circulate cool air throughout the house are examples of those measures.
Chief Petty Officer Dustin Wooden, energy management chief for MCAS Iwakuni, said to limit the use of power supplies that generate extra heat, avoid overuse of items such as computers, dishwashers, curling irons or hair dryers.
“We’re not asking them to sacrifice anything,” said Wooden. “We’re just asking them to move everything to the right a little bit so it’s not on during the peak-demand hours.”
Energy management officials issued four green outs last year and have issued one so far this year. Voluntary efforts to reduce electrical usage will help prevent the station from establishing new electrical power thresholds and paying premium electrical prices.