Saving Shaw money

Published Oct. 29, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Bass
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- During the last five years, Shaw has lowered its daily light bill by $10,000.

In fiscal year 2008, Shaw AFB was running up a large daily light bill of approximately $27,000, said Kyle Davies, 20th Civil Engineering Squadron resource efficiency manager.

That amount now is down to around $17,000, said Karim Manji, 20th Civil Engineering Squadron's utility manager.

The Shaw Energy Team hosted an Energy Trade Show Oct. 24, as part of National Energy Action Month.

In addition to the Shaw Energy Team giving Team Shaw members a brief glimpse at what they're trying to accomplish on base, venders from Black River Electric Cooperative Inc., Carolina Clear, and Duke Energy.

Each vender shared information on how a person can cut their energy bill down and help be a little "greener," such as building a rain barrel, installing a rain garden, or using reusable grocery bags.

"We're right now in a big programming phase to change out our metal halide street lighting to LEDs," said Manji.

These LED lights will have 20,000 hours of burn time and use a third less energy, said Manji.

Approximately 150 people visited the trade show to see what they could do to help the base cut costs, said Davies.

"The goal of the event is to assist in maximizing an energy-aware culture on base and to urge patrons to take action in saving energy at work and at home," said Davies.