Power Reduction Day expected to cut energy costs by thousands Published May 29, 2012 By 436th Civil Engineer Squadron DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Dover Air Force Base, Del., is taking huge strides in an effort to reduce energy consumption across the base. On June 22, the base will be participating in a Power Reduction Day, which will require service members across the base to turn off all non-mission-essential lighting, unplug unneeded equipment, and look for any other ways they can reduce energy in their buildings. Additionally, in an effort to get members out of their offices, the 436th Airlift Wing plans to schedule outdoor activates during Power Reduction Day. This energy-reduction effort is due to utility budgets being funded at 90 percent during fiscal year 2012. Based on initial projections, this creates a $500,000 deficit in projected energy costs versus funding available. Also during this Power Reduction Day, the base will reduce energy consumption through an effort called "load shedding." Essentially, during the highest energy-consuming times of summer days, power is reduced to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in all facilities except those that require constant air conditioning per Air Force policy. This will reduce the power demand to the base and save energy costs. The base is also working with the City of Dover on a Demand Response Program, where, during peak demand times, the City of Dover calls on the base to reduce power usage to a specific level. The amount of power saved turns into financial savings for the base. With a reduction of three mega-watts, the base can save up to $130,000. The base's average power use is 11-12 mega-watts. The Power Reduction Day will not only reduce the base's energy consumption the day of this event, but it will determine how much energy we can reduce on any given day the base is called to.