Energy Action Month Published Oct. 7, 2011 By Gary Krivokapich 49th Civil Engineer Squadron HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- This October, Holloman is proud to participate in Energy Action Month. This year's theme, "Power the Force, Fuel the Fight," will focus not just on awareness, but actions to take to reduce energy consumption. As mandated by the Energy Policy Act, the Air Force needs to reduce energy consumption by 30 percent by the year 2015. To meet this goal, Holloman invested over $5 million during the 2011 fiscal year in energy conservation projects, which are estimated to save the base up to $500,000 per year. Holloman is also actively pursuing renewable energy projects and energy security projects. Though much effort is being put into reducing Holloman's energy use, full cooperation is needed from every member of Team Holloman to include Airmen, civilians and contractors. Currently, the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron is planning the most extensive Energy Awareness Month to date for Holloman and everyone is getting involved. In September, students from Holloman Elementary and Middle School participated in an Energy Awareness poster contest with the winning posters of the contest proudly displayed around the base. Throughout the month of October, there will be several ways which you can be part of Energy Action Month: Oct. 4 Come participate in the Facility Manager's energy meeting in the main conference room of the 49th CE building at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. During the meetings, compact-florescent light bulbs and motion sensor power strips will be given out for use. Managers will also see which buildings are energy efficient/inefficient as the CE Energy Manager presents reports on building energy use. Oct. 5-6 Stop by the Energy Awareness Booth at the Exchange from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a drawing for a $100 Exchange gift certificate and there will be energy project story boards, an incandescent light display, energy tip cards, an Air Combat Command information booth and a display of Energy Star appliances. Oct. 8 Visit the Energy Awareness Booth at the Holloman Air Show. There will be solar car races, a drawing for a $100 Exchange gift certificate, energy project story boards and an incandescent light display. Oct. 13 Join us for "The Future of Renewable Energy in Southern New Mexico and West Texas" seminar. Learn about the advancements in solar technology and how to prepare for job opportunities in renewable energy and energy conservation. The seminar will be held at the Airmen and Family Readiness Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. RSVP by calling 575-572-6643 or by email, Gary.Krivokapich@holloman.af.mil. Also come out for the Solar PV Power Plant Tour. We will meet in front of the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at 1:30 p.m. for a tour of the new PNM PV power plant just west of Alamogordo. RSVP by calling 575-572-6643 or by email, Gary.Krivokapich@holloman.af.mil. Carpooling is recommended. Oct. 24 The New Mexico Solar Energy Society will host the Sun Chaser classes for grades 4-5 at Holloman Elementary School. Keep an eye out for upcoming articles on energy tips that focus on what you can do at Holloman to save energy. For energy saving ideas, view the Holloman Energy conservation tips factsheet at www.holloman.af.mil. For more information, contact the 49th CE base energy manager, Gary Krivokapich, at 575-572-6643.