Warming up Dover AFB homes could mean more money in Airmen's wallets

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Correction:
New utility billing will become effective Jan. 1 and Pinnacle will be paying out surplus or collecting bills on a quarterly basis.

Story:
The Dover base housing utility rate-study results are in; utility allowances will go up by almost $100 depending upon the house type, which could save Airmen a lot of money, provided they conserve energy and utility usage.

Base housing residents have been participating in a utility mock-billing test, which began in December 2006, and is scheduled to end Dec. 31, with actual billing will start in January.

"The mock bills were designed to allow residents to adjust to being individually responsible for electricity and natural gas consumption rates," said Phil Weis, Pinnacle community director. "In addition, the billing test provided the Air Force with the information needed to establish an appropriate baseline to encourage conservation."

Ray Couey, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron housing and base asset manager, agrees.

"Energy conservation is everyone's responsibility," he said. "Utility allowances in privatized housing are an important part of the base's conservation program. If you save energy, you save your own money and if you don't, you have to pay."

With his statement, Mr. Couey also released what he called great news for the Airmen who reside in base housing.

The utility baseline has increased for every floor plan, he said. The increase resulted from the evaluations and mock billing performed throughout 2007.

"The baseline will vary from house to house," he explained. "Some of the factors taken into account when determining a baseline are home size, number of windows and construction date."

Mr. Couey advises residents to view the new utility charts shown below. The new baselines become effective Jan. 1 and will be evaluated yearly until 2013.

Still, every resident will see a significant increase in the utility allowance they are authorized from what they saw during the mock-billing period, he said. Never the less, Airmen are urged to conserve utilities.

"The plan is for residents who use energy wisely to experience no out-of-pocket expenses," said Mr. Weiss. "If members and their families use utilities in a conscientious manner, their basic allowance for housing should cover their rent, renter's insurance and utilities. It's all about conservation."

The transition will be seamless to residents, provided they don't exceed their allowance, said Mr. Couey. Residents' rent will be adjusted to match the established BAH rates.

"Members will receive the same amount of BAH. Currently, all of the BAH is paid directly to Pinnacle who pays for the utilities no matter whether it is greater or less than the allotted amount," explained Lt. Col. Sherry Brown, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "Starting in January, the excess dollars, or bill, will be given to the member."

"Housing residents can contact Pinnacle to receive help and advice on methods available to conserve energy such as programming their thermostats for the most energy saving settings," said Colonel Brown. "(This) allows the individuals to be responsible for their energy usage (and) is a great initiative in achieving energy conservation goals."

What if members exceed their baseline?

"Any utility consumption over that amount will be billed to the resident," said Colonel Brown.

What if a member does not spend the allowed amount?

"Any utility consumption under the set amount will be credited to the resident," said the colonel. "With a little conservative use of utilities, Airmen can receive a lump-sum payment for any amount that they saved over the entire year, which will make a nice Christmas bonus next year."

According the utility provider's Website, members will receive a paper bill in the mail. Most residents are already receiving mock bills this way.

In addition to the paper bills, the same information will be available on the Web at www.ista-direct.com. This site will have personal account information available on it 24 hours a day. Members will need to set up an account when the log on for the first time.
Pinnacle understands residents may have questions and will hold their first informal community information meeting about the program and its changes Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Community Center.

"We want to ensure this DoD-wide energy conservation initiative is implemented as smoothly as possible for our residents," said Mr. Weis. "For that reason, a second community information meeting will be held January 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center. Chili dogs and sodas will be provided, and the play room will be available for children."

In addition to community information meetings, residents can also contact Ista North America Customer Service Department via e-mail at inquiries@istadirect.com or via telephone (800) 569-3014, for questions concerning utility billing. Telephone customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pacific time.