‘Lights out’ initiative slashes base energy bill

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Trevor Rhynes
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The streets at McConnell Air Force Base are about to get slightly darker with the launch of lights out initiative the week of Feb. 17.

Ninety percent of lights will be shut off from 1 to 6 a.m., including turning off every other streetlight during hours of darkness. The estimated savings is approximately $12,000.

"As engineers we are always looking to solve problems and better processes," said 1st Lt. Jacob Bright, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight commander. "One of the problems we face is reducing our footprint while ensuring the sustainability of our infrastructure."

By demolishing and increasing metering of base facilities, energy requirements can be minimized, thus saving money.

"With budget cuts happening across the Department of Defense we have to look internally at where we can save Air Force dollars," Bright said. "Col. [James Dermer, 22nd Air Refueling Wing vice commander] asked the question about lighting around base, and what we could do to save energy."

The process was refined and other ideas were included that would save more money.
"I presented the initial plan to the electrical shop and had the electrical foreman, Chris Wyatt, refine the plan," Bright said. "With his expertise we modified the plan to accommodate some issues we originally overlooked."

For example would be turning off the lights located on the east side of Kansas Street, leading to less maintenance for electrical technicians.

"We're constantly looking for innovative ways to save money," said Dermer. "One of our priorities is to look for efficiency where possible without sacrificing readiness or security."

Additional programs include demolishing building 1090, replacing old heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and replacing traditional bulbs with LED lights.

"There are ideas of converting all existing lights to LED," Bright said. "While the cost of LED lighting is roughly double that of standard lighting, the LED's use about half the energy and last twice as long. We have already put some LED lighting in parking areas around base and on streets to test their reliability."

The impact to driving conditions is expected to be minimal and the program is expected to be in effect until lower wattage bulbs and ballasts are installed. Some high traffic areas like the Exchange, the Commissary and Child Development Center will not be affected by this program.