Vance to freeze wasteful energy use this winter

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wes Carter
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  To conserve energy this winter, Vance will maintain thermostats at 68 degrees.

"This practice is normally a measure we take during the fall and spring seasons, but in an effort to continue saving energy they will be extended through the winter months," said Glenda Watkins, the CSC Applied Technologies energy manager.

The push to reduce energy is an Air Force-wide initiative to continually reduce energy use by 10 percent.

"Everyone needs to do their part," Mrs. Watkins said. "If we keep thermostats at 68 degrees, we will save a lot of energy and money."

Some buildings on base have permission to raise the temperature in their building to 72 degrees.

"The youth center, child development center, Cherokee Lodge, temporary lodging facility and the clinic are all allowed the higher temperature," Mrs. Watkins said. "Although 4 degrees doesn't seem like a lot, when you consider the size of the buildings on base, it is a huge energy saver."

For people who will seek other ways to stay warm during the winter season, space heaters are not the answer.

"Space heaters pull a lot of energy and would be counterintuitive to what we are doing," Mrs. Watkins said.

If a person has a special medical circumstance where they need warmer temperatures, they won't be left in the cold.

"If someone has a medical issue or problem they can get a waiver and have a space heater if necessary," Mrs. Watkins said.

The winter policy is set to run through May and applies to all Vance facilities except those mentioned above. Any questions or concerns may be directed to CSC Civil Engineering at 213-6081.