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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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914 AW Saving energy, money over the long term--every little bit helps.

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Andrew Caya
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  October is Energy Action Month throughout the federal government. In the Air Force, Energy Action Month is the centerpiece of the "I am Air Force Energy" campaign dedicated to educating Airmen on ways they can maximize their energy efficiency and mission effectiveness.

The Air Force launched its month-long series of educational opportunities and activities with a letter to all Airmen from Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody. The leaders wrote, "Energy is a fundamental component of all Air Force operations. The smart use of energy means flying our aircraft farther, transporting more cargo and accomplishing our mission in a more efficient and effective way."

Here, at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, 914th Airlift Wing Civil Engineer Squadron Commander Maj. Matt Hiensler has been spearheading efforts to reduce energy wasted on base, as well as highlighting the importance of saving money on energy.

"Without energy, we cannot perform our mission," said Heinsler.  "Without jet fuel energy, we can't fly.  Without electrical energy, we can't operate our computers or our lights. Without heating fuel energy, we freeze.   Ultimately, to protect the security of our nation, we must have reliable energy, and enough of it.  Unfortunately, we spend WAY too much of our budget on energy.  In 2013, the Air Force spent nine billion dollars on fuel and electricity--more than twice what we spent 10 years ago."

Energy Action Month is about creating an Energy Aware Culture, where Airmen are getting personally involved and finding innovative ways to help the Air Force meet our energy goals, stated Heinsler.  

"To reduce our energy consumption 3 percent per year, based on a 2003 baseline.  Although we've reduced 12% thus far, the costs for the energy we use has increased dramatically over the last decade.  This is why our costs in 2013 were more than twice what we spent 10 years ago.  This is why it's so important that we keep moving forward to save energy everywhere we see an opportunity to do so."
 
Heinsler stated a major change at Niagara that nearly all unit members can see is how the unit is saving money on electricity.

"The best example I can use are the lighting sensors.  Prior to the sensors, the break room lights would go on at 0600 and go off at 1700," said Hiensler.  "Now, the break room lights are off more often than they're on when I go in there throughout the day.  The same can be said for the bathroom lights and exhaust fans.  It's also surprising how often the hallway lights are off.  And these are just a handful of examples in just one building on base that illustrate the savings which can be achieved."                                                                                   

Airmen should look at Energy Action month as a scale. The more money invested in wasted energy, the less money goes to the Airmen performing their duties.

"The bottom line when it comes to energy action, awareness, and conservation, is that every dollar we don't spend on energy, allows us to invest that dollar into our Airmen, their families, and our mission;  and in these times of extremely tight fiscal constraints, every little bit helps."

For Airmen who want to want to get more involved in saving money, Hiensler set up an Energy Action Month  SharePoint site "specifically for these reasons - so everyone can learn what we've done, what we have yet to do, and how to get further involved," said Heinsler.

"Just remember, every one of us plays a roll, no matter how big or small the impact," said Heinsler.  "If we all do our part, we can remain the finest fighting force in the world, with all the resources we need to "Power the Force & Fuel the Fight."  Remember, "You are Air Force Energy." 

To find out what you can do at Niagara, contact Maj. Heinsler at 716-236-3116.   

Airmen across the force can submit their energy ideas at the Airmen Powered by Innovation website, which can be found on the Air Force Portal.