GTMO Community Encouraged to Conserve Energy Over the Holidays
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba – December 2011
As the holiday season lights up homes and spirits, the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) community is receiving a timely reminder: conserve energy wherever possible. Officials urge residents to be mindful of their electricity use—even during festive celebrations.
Holiday Energy Use Adds Up
Holiday decorations, increased cooking, and cooler weather often push energy consumption higher. As families string up lights and gather indoors, it’s easy to forget the cost—both financial and environmental.
“We all want to celebrate,” said Mike McCord, NSGB’s installation energy manager. “But being smart about our energy use ensures we protect our resources for the long term.”
Lights Can Be Efficient—and Festive
According to McCord, switching to LED lights is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce energy use during the holidays. LED holiday lights use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. That means more glow for less wattage—and lower bills.
At NSGB, where resources are shipped in and energy efficiency is a strategic goal, every bit of savings helps. “The less fuel we consume to generate electricity, the better off we are,” McCord explained.
Heating and Cooling Still Matter
Even in a tropical location like Guantanamo Bay, energy consumption for heating and cooling systems plays a significant role. Residents are encouraged to set thermostats wisely, keep doors and windows closed while AC units run, and avoid cranking temperatures up or down too drastically.
Small actions—like turning off lights when leaving a room or unplugging unused devices—can also have a major impact.
A Community-Wide Effort
The energy awareness push isn’t just about cutting costs. It’s also about maintaining operational readiness and supporting a sustainable mission. With the Department of Defense pushing to reduce energy intensity and increase renewable energy use across all installations, NSGB is part of a broader commitment.
“It’s about doing the right thing,” McCord said. “If we each take a moment to conserve where we can, it adds up.”
So while the holidays are a time for joy, they’re also a perfect opportunity to start new habits—ones that support a cleaner, more efficient future.
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