JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Members of the 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron have been saving Joint Base San Antonio money and energy by implementing an aggressive peak demand reduction program to reduce utility costs across JBSA.
Every aspect of the JBSA mission depends on a reliable supply of energy, the peak demand reduction program allows JBSA installations to improve energy efficiency with an estimated annual savings of $530,000.
“Reducing utility cost is good for the Air Force, and we all need to be good stewards and save energy,” said Andy Hinojosa, 502nd CES base energy manager.
In 2016, JBSA was able to reduce power demand by 207 kilowatts by using manual and remote power controls and by using stored water in chillers to cool buildings, which resulted in a nearly $200,000 rebate back to the base, said Hinojosa.
To ensure energy stewardship and that supplies are readily available across JBSA, the 502nd CES has implemented three programs: thermal energy storage tanks, load shedding and partnering with our local community with the demand response program.
Thermal energy storage tanks are used to store chilled water at night and are then used to supply air-conditioning during high peak demand periods. Tanks across JBSA, some holding more than 1 million gallons of chilled water, are able to supply chilled water loops and keep buildings cool during the summer with reduced energy needs.
Load shedding programs reduce peak demand by “load shedding” buildings on a list when a programmed kilowatt has been reached by the main base total power load. The program begins to shut down or set back temperatures on HVAC systems, lighting systems and pumps.
The third program is CPS Energy’s Commercial and Industrial Demand Response Program. The voluntary program pays incentives to commercial and industrial customers for reducing electric load at peak times during the summer months. During those months CPS Energy calls for load curtailments to achieve operating reliability. The size of the rebate is determined by the amount of energy demand reduced by the customer.
Hinojosa expressed how impactful the joint partnership between JBSA and CPS is, highlighting how JBSA's participation helps reduce the amount of energy used during peak demand, while at the same time, saving money by reducing utility costs.