U.S.’s energy awareness tips worth something to taxpayers

The federal government is the largest single domestic user of energy, spending more than $9 billion annually to power its vehicle fleet, operations and 500,000 facilities, and it has boosted efforts in recent years to conserve energy use. In launching National Energy Awareness Month, the government is promoting those initiatives for everyone’s benefit.

The Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program’s You Have the Power campaign helps government agencies reach their energy saving goals by raising awareness about energy efficiency in their facilities. Over the past 10 years, the campaign has helped federal facilities save millions of dollars.

According to the DOE, we can all benefit from the wise use of energy at federal facilities. Not only does the effort help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment, it contributes to our national security and saves taxpayer dollars.

For example, instead of constructing a new facility for the Social Security Administration, the agency opted to reuse an existing structure, saving $25 million. Also, the Department of Homeland Security’s Fuel Working Group reorganized its fuel procurement processes, helping the Coast Guard save $9 million in 2005.

Perhaps we should take a cue from the government and be more conscious of our own use of electricity. Take a moment to look through some of the federal government’s energy-saving projects and let us know what you think.