Base buildings go homestyle with energy metering

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS — All buildings at the Kelly Field Annex will soon have their own electrical meters, much like average homeowners. The 37th Civil Engineer Squadron and San Antonio-based City Public Service will begin installing the meters next week.

The Advanced Metering Project is being launched in an effort to comply with Department of Defense directives stemming from the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and executive orders mandating advanced meter capabilities.

"The purpose of this is to gather detailed information regarding the use of energy throughout the day," said Mary Terrell, base utility manager. "The data obtained will allow us to provide our tenants with advance charting, graphing and analysis of all energy consumption which in turn will increase energy efficiency."

The project calls for the installation of 118 meters at Kelly at a cost of about $900,000.

Currently the 37th CES is coordinating the CPS installation schedule and electrical outage required with the facility managers and the organization commanders.

"We know this is going to be an inconvenience and we are sorry about that, but we need everyone's patience and understanding," said Ms. Terrell. "In the long run this will make us more energy efficient."

During the installation, power to buildings may be down for four to eight hours. However, backup generators will be available for all critical missions.

All facility managers are being asked to make required internal notifications and adjustments during their particular shutdown period and ensure the dissemination of the information throughout the organization and affected units.

The project begins Monday and is expected to continue through July. The next phase of the project calls for advanced electric meters to be installed in 64 buildings at Lackland and the Lackland Training Annex. In addition, natural gas meters will be installed in 49 facilities.

If you have any questions or comments about the meter project, call the base utility manager at 671-0259.