Utility billing system tests continue

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Team Dover members who reside on base have been participating in an ongoing utility billing test since December '06.

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.

Energy conservation is everyone's responsibility. 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. This is very different from old military family housing where you could use as much energy as you chose and the installation footed the bill.

"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, renter's insurance and utilities. It's all about conservation."

Mock billing is scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2007, said Ms. Augustine. Actual billing will begin in January. Residents who use less than the established benchmark will receive a credit for their conservation. If a member should use more energy than allotted, they will pay the balance owed at the end of the month or carry it over. Each November, during the holiday season, anyone with a credit will receive a reimbursement check for the credit they have accumulated and anyone who has carried over excess charges will be required to pay that amount.

Who will pay for excess utility charges?

"Members will receive the same amount of BAH. Currently, all of the BAH is paid directly to Pinnacle who pays for the utility no matter whether it is greater or less than the allotted amount. Once the mock billing period is over, the excess dollars, or bill, will be given to the member," said Col. Sherry Brown, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "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. Any utility consumption over that amount will be billed to the resident."

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."

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.