MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Another seemingly annual energy alert was initiated July 28 from 3 to 9 p.m., for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. During this time, the cost of electricity exceeded 20 times the normal amount.
To prevent future energy alerts and to conserve energy, base personnel are requested to take the following actions:
- turn off all unnecessary lighting
- set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees Fahrenheit
- turn off computers and monitors while not in use
- keep hot water usage to a minimum
- keep all doors and windows closed in air conditioned rooms
- unplug all unused electrical consuming equipment and devices
However seldom energy alerts may arise, increases in electricity costs are due to weather conditions in the eastern United States, which in turn causes a higher market demand for electricity.
Even minimal cooperation from base personnel can make a difference in the base’s battle to save energy and significantly reduce energy costs and consumption.
“There are two perspectives (Public Works Division) takes on this,” said Navy Ensign Walter Anderson, assistant public works officer with Public Works Division. “It’s also just not from a residential standpoint or just from your office. We’re also trying to develop this further for people who may be using generators or doing training in simulation centers, maybe we can get them to schedule that during other hours instead of on peak hours for rates. We want to try and start with at least one individual and gradually increase (participation) throughout the command.”
Kyle Brown, energy manager with PWD, said that the base’s electrical rate structure allows it to save money on certain periods when electricity costs are high.
“On days that it’s really hot or really cold, we as the base, take action to try and save money,” said Brown. “That’s the biggest thing with the ‘Frost Calls. If everyone comes together with a concerted effort and cut off lights or monitors, we can save a substantial amount during those periods. A lot of the (Frost Calls) are financially motivated, but they do help our energy goal as well, which is to reduce general consumption for the year.”
For more information on the energy alert and base energy usage, contact Kyle Brown by e-mail at kyle.t.brown@usmc.mil.