Post-disaster energy conservation continues with start of program at Yokota

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robin Stanchak
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Energy conservation measures at Yokota Air Base recently increased with the start of the No Heat, No Cool program that began April 18.

Members of the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron began shutting off the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in facilities and residential housing buildings as part of a base-wide program to help reduce energy usage.

The systems will remain off and the air conditioning will not be turned on until May 23, unless the temperature reaches above 72 F between the hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for five consecutive days.

During this time frame, Yokota's HVAC technicians convert the systems from heating to cooling and also perform preventative maintenance on equipment. This is important because it allows them to work on the systems without interrupting the normal operating schedule.

The No Heat, No Cool program is especially important at this time because of the current power shortages that are occurring around Japan. Due to the damage sustained to several power stations in northern Japan following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the Tokyo Electric Power Company has had to redistribute electricity to various areas around the country.

As a result, TEPCO estimates that there will be a 3.3 million kilowatt shortage during the peak summer months of July, August and September.

"Our electricity use is relatively low during the winter and early spring because we utilize fuel oil for heating. It's during the summer that our electricity use spikes because we use it to work the air conditioning," said Chris Cook, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron energy manager.

"During the month following the earthquake, Yokota was able to save approximately 7.4 percent of the average daily kilowatt-hours, or the amount of electrical energy used, on average, during this time of year," said Mr. Cook.

It is important for everyone to still perform good energy conservation practices, both at work and in our homes, he said.  This way, we can continue to conserve energy and help the Japanese people as they continue to recover from these events, Mr. Cook continued.

According to base officials, the power limitations within the Kanto Plain and northern Japan are expected to be an ongoing challenge for the Government of Japan and have the potential to impact U.S. installations. The central government is currently developing plans to address this issue.

If there is an impact, individuals are asked to be patient and show solidarity with our alliance partners while they continue to recover from the effects of the earthquake and tsunami and resulting power supply shortages.