Base to save $800,000 by changing light bulbs Published Sept. 11, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Dover expects to save more than $800,000 a year with a new energy saving initiative called Operation Change Out. The voluntary U.S. Department of Energy program suggests military facilities, like base residential areas, exchange incandescent light bulbs for compact-fluorescent ones. "We're participating in this program to conserve energy and save money," said April Stewart, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron base energy manager. "Depending on the wear and tear, these energy efficient bulbs are likely to last for about five years." She added that the bulbs are a little more expensive, but they're longer lasting and many people think the lighting is brighter. In fact, a U.S. government official energy statistics Web site, called Energy Information Administration, states that compact fluorescent light bulbs are energy efficient because they use less energy to produce the same amount of light. "I'm glad we're switching to these brighter light bulbs," said Airman 1st Class Allissa Landgraff, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron mobility section. "It's definitely good for the environment." The 436th CES purchased more than 2,000 light bulbs and will install them this month. CES expects to save 8.4 million kilowatt-hours per year. "Using these new bulbs will definitely cut utility costs," said Staff Sgt. Sarah Gieck, Dorm 445 manager. "Airmen may even want to think about purchasing them when moving off base to pay lower costs for electricity." Current 100-, 60- and 40-watt bulbs will be replaced with 25-, 15-, 14- and 13-watt fluorescent bulbs. "We will have high savings because of our high-to-low wattage [change], which will be a big improvement for the base -- saving not only money, but energy, as well," added Ms. Stewart.