The Heat is On; Misawa urged to conserve energy

Colonel Al Wimmer, 35 Fighter Wing Vice Wing Commander, learns about the steam plant at Misawa Air Base Oct. 20, 2010. The heating system was activated, signaling an end to warm temperatures. Misawa residents are being asked to conserve energy as winter approaches. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

The Heat is On; Misawa urged to conserve energy

Published Oct. 20, 2010
By Captain Darrick B. Lee
35 Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Misawa Air Base officials activated the installation's heating system today, signaling the end of warm temperatures in the area.

Col. Al Wimmer, 35 Fighter Wing vice commander, joined civil engineering Airmen in an informal ceremony to officially turn on Misawa's steam plant, which provides heat to hundreds of housing units on the base.

Although the weather has been getting cooler during the past few days, officials were concerned that prematurely activating the plant might waste energy. But with temperatures expected to drop, choosing today to turn on the heat installation-wide seemed appropriate.

"Utilities represent a large percentage of operating expenses for military installations," said Colonel Wimmer. "Traditionally, civil engineers turn on base-wide heating services at specific times, usually once the weather is consistently too cold for comfort. But rather than delay the process, with quality of life being a priority, we felt Misawa families are best served by activating the heating system today."

This year, Misawa estimates that more than $700,000 was saved by choosing today to activate the system, instead of doing so earlier.

As the weather gets colder, those who live and work on base are reminded to keep their windows closed and lower the thermostat when buildings are vacant.