What is the purpose of the
OSD policy?
The policy (Public Law 104-106, 110 St, 186 Section 2801) seeks to increase awareness of usage and ultimately lead to reduced energy consumption. Moreover, it supports the Army’s goals to reduce energy consumption and be good stewards in the communities it lives and works in.
What utilities will residents be
responsible for?
At USAG, HI Soldiers are only responsible for electricity consumption.
When is this program going to start?
Phase 1 / May 2008 - October 2008
Installation of electric meters begins in May. There will be minimal impact on residents during installation. A brief interruption of power is expected. As a precaution, electronics such as computers and TVs should be turned off.
Phase 2 / December 2008
Mock-billing to begin. Once baselines are determined, residents will begin receiving energy consumption reports. Residents over their baselines will be offered assistance from AHFH to get them under their baselines. These are not bills.
Phase 3 / 2009
Utility billing to begin. Residents will begin receiving energy consumption statements. USAG, HI will determine when actual billing will start, and it will do so when it is confident residents understand the program and how they can reap its financial rewards.
How does this program benefit
the Soldier?
Savings in energy consumption will benefit Soldiers by allowing more money for home and community improvements. The policy also provides that Soldiers who conserve will be financially rewarded, and Soldiers who do not conserve will be billed for excessive consumption.
• The majority of Soldiers should experience no out-of-pocket expenses;
the BAH includes costs for normal energy use.
Will all homes get a meter?
Approximately 3,500 meters will be installed on new and renovated homes at Schofield Barracks, Wheeler, Helemano and Aliamanu, including historic homes. Homes identified for demolition will not receive a meter. Watanabe Electric, Inc. has been contracted to install meters.
In 2009, all historic homes will begin receiving meters. These homes are on the historic home list, so any interior or exterior changes must go through a very detailed approval process.
The OSD utility program applies equally across all ranks and installations.
What happens to the money saved through this energy conservation
program?
The utilities program is not a profit center. Money saved goes directly to AHFH homes and communities. The USAG, HI Commander and AHFH will determine how monies will be used to best benefit residents.
What is a baseline?
A baseline is the normal energy consumption for a home. It is determined by analyzing electricity consumption data collected from meter readings.
How will my baseline be determined?
It is the USAG, Hawaii’s goal to establish a baseline that will be fair and equitable in predicting responsible electricity usage for a particular house type. Baseline factors may include, but are not limited to:
- House size
- Construction method
- Appliances
- Lighting types
- Neighborhood
Baseline calculation will focus on the house type and features, not the number of residents per household. Meter data will be collected and extensively studied over a significant period of time to determine the fairest baseline for residents before any billing starts.
The utility program at USAG, HI is in its early stages and the method to determine baselines has not been decided upon. When USAG, HI does determine its baselines, residents will be informed in a timely manner.
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