Privatized housing warms up with new utility bill system Published Jan. 19, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Kevin Wallace 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Team Dover members who reside in the 212 MILCON Eagle Heights homes built in 2005 will participate in a utility mock-billing test period due to start by the end of the month. The mock bills are designed to allow residents to adjust to being individually responsible for electricity and natural gas consumption rates, said Deborah Augustine, Pinnacle community manager. "The plan is that residents who use energy wisely will experience no out-of-pocket expenses," said Ms. Augustine. "If members and their families use utilities in a conscientious manner, their Basic Allowance for Housing should cover their rent and utilities. It's all about conservation." In six months, when actual billing begins for MILCON units, residents who use less than the established benchmark will receive a credit for their conservation, said Ms. Augustine. If a member should use more energy than allotted, they will pay the balance owed at the end of the month. During the holiday season, anyone with a credit will receive a reimbursement check for the credit they have accumulated. Members will receive the same amount of BAH received before the utility-billing changes, she said. BAH includes local price data for utilities; the allowance for utilities is part of the BAH compensation. Utility baselines are determined by the square-footage of the house floor plan that members occupy. A determined amount of members rent will be used for utilities. Any utility consumption over that amount will be billed to the resident. Any utility consumption under that amount will be credited to the resident. Members moving into brand-new Pinnacle homes will not have a mock-billing test period, she said. They will begin paying actual utility bills immediately upon arrival in their new homes. All new and fully renovated privatized housing and existing newer homes have energy-saving features and appliances as well as additional insulation and energy-saving windows. The houses are being equipped with the housing industry's highest energy-saving rated amenities, she said. For any questions concerning utility billing, contact Ista North America Customer Service Department via e-mail at inquiries@istadirect.com or via telephone (800) 569-3014. Telephone customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.