Keesler utilizes mock bills to show energy costs in user-friendly way Published Oct. 27, 2014 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler is bolstering its energy conservation campaign by sending statements to managers of metered facilities that detail monthly electrical and natural gas use for their building. These mock bills are intended to illustrate the base's energy consumption in a more meaningful way, according to Billy Stevenson, operations engineering manager for Keesler's base operating support contractor. He worked on creating the program for more than a year and thinks the documents will show a lot of information in a user-friendly way. Initial mock bills were sent out Oct. 23 for the 403rd Wing, 81st Communications Squadron, 85th Engineering Installation Squadron, Keesler Commissary, Keesler Exchange and the 81st Force Support Squadron. "Our energy management office is continuing to develop and expand this program to include all metered facilities over the coming months in order to provide base personnel, facility managers, and leadership with real time information on our energy consumption in order to aid in conserving our valuable resources," Stevenson noted. Keesler's energy goals are based on the Air Force goal of a 30 percent energy reduction from the fiscal year 2003 baseline by the end of FY15. "In order to achieve this goal, Keesler's facilities would need to reduce their energy use by 11 percent over this fiscal year," Stevenson commented. Since building occupants don't pay for electricity, gas and water use, it's easy to overlook Keesler's significant energy costs. Stevenson said that the base's utility expenses average about $1 million each month. "It's easy to take energy for granted," Stevenson pointed out. "Our challenge is making people realize that energy doesn't come from some limitless, magical source. Right now, building occupants are blind to the process, but the mock bills will help base leaders and building custodians become stakeholders in the energy conservation process." Electricity, gas and water use is measured with meters. Some can be checked remotely, while others must be read manually. A project is under way to reduce the number of manual meters and expand the system - more remote meters, more readings and greater accountability. Back in September 1981, a front page story in the Keesler News documented the base's last-ditch effort to meet its fiscal year energy savings goal by cutting off air conditioning for several sweltering weeks. Keesler was just shy of its conservation goal at year's end. Stevenson observed that 30 years ago, the base could turn off the AC to save electricity, but those actions would be unrealistic in modern buildings with no windows, sophisticated computers and electronic equipment, and carpets and upholstery where mold and mildew can flourish. Although the size of a facility is a factor in energy consumption, Stevenson noted that some of the base's largest structures make the best use of energy resources. "For example, Keesler Medical Center consumes a lot due to its size, but it's a very energy-efficient complex," he explained. "Energy efficiency has been considered and implemented in every step of new construction and renovation." Replacement of Keesler's aging infrastructure for heating, ventilation and air conditioning is making a huge impact on conservation efforts, Stevenson said. Currently, Keesler has two energy reduction projects that are installing dedicated heat recovery units in Connor Manor, Davis Manor and the Magnolia and Azalea Dining Halls as pre-heaters for domestic and facility heating water systems while providing chill water for facility cooling. Other projects have been developed to install more efficient heat exchangers in place of outdated natural gas water heaters at Shaw House and Blake Fitness Center. But even small things, like turning off lights, reporting maintenance issues and unplugging appliances when not in use can have a significant cumulative effect. Stevenson gestured toward the ceiling in his conference room and pointed out that only half of the lights were turned on, but the room still had plenty of light. Virtually all computers on base are equipped with "sleep modes" to keep electricity costs at a minimum so they don't have to be turned off at the end of the day. "I'm not a tree-hugger," he declared. "I'm a dollar-and-cents kind of guy. It does no good to turn off the lights if we can't do the mission. We have to be smart and do our homework - if we get too aggressive, we can make mistakes that will be costly to repair. It takes all of us making a conscious effort to reduce our costs and conserve our resources." For more information, call the energy management office, 228-376-8637.