Resident Energy Conservation Program 'Mock' Billing to Begin Throughout Naval District Washington

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Accountability for electrical consumption to each resident of Navy Public Private Venture (PPV) housing will soon be the responsibility of residents and mock billing for the Resident Energy Conservation Program (RECP) for Naval District Washington will begin July 1.

"It's important to note that you and your family will reap the benefits of the money that is saved by this program," said Vice Adm. William French, commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), in a video message to the fleet. "First with the refund from energy savings you and your family create by staying below the average normal usage rate. Second, the vast majority of the RECP cost savings will be reinvested back into the local PPV community to sustain high-quality homes and neighborhood amenities such as playgrounds, facilities and landscaping."

Prior to the commencement of the live billing cycle in October, residents throughout Naval District Washington (NDW) participating in RECP will be provided a three-month "mock" billing period beginning July 1 to Sept. 30 to allow residents to evaluate their home energy consumption before the program begins.

"The mock bills are intended to show your actual electrical consumption and billing costs, and how it compares with other homes in your like-type group," said Julie Barnes, regional Navy Housing Program manager for NDW. "All billing costs will be based on the same electric rate charged for a particular housing area."

Barnes recommends that residents review their mock bills, compare their monthly usage with the normal usage band, and consider adjusting their consumption habits as needed to minimize personal costs.

Additionally, the RECP will have no impact on residents' Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). According to CNIC, an allowance for normal utilities is a part of the BAH. BAH includes an allowance for utilities such as electricity, gas or other heating fuels, and water/sewer. The BAH includes the cost of utilities based on averages from residents living in the private sector who are directly responsible for paying for their utilities. The RECP is intended to encourage residents to achieve normal usage and to reward them for conservation beyond normal expectations. Residents who conserve and stay within the normal range will incur no out-of-pocket utility expenses.

CNIC recommends that those who wish to conserve make easy changes around the house. Simple adjustments to home thermostats to minimize heating and cooling, and wise use of hot water, lighting and appliances can also contribute significantly to energy savings. In cases where utility consumption is high, residents can also request that their property manager perform an energy audit to identify energy saving strategies specific to their home.

Residents are also reminded to keep up with any fees incurred through over-usage. Those with a past due account will receive delinquency notice letters and a late fee. Extreme delinquencies can result in a notice to vacate housing and can potentially affect a resident's credit. The PPV partnership will work with residents to arrange payment plans if help is needed making payments.

NDW residents can expect mock billing to begin July 1 with the first mock statement being mailed August 15. Residents will not be financially responsible for utility usage during this period. The actual billing period begins Oct. 1, and the first 'live' bill will be mailed Nov. 14. Residents will be expected to pay for their usage above the 'normal usage' band or will be eligible to receive a rebate if their usage is below the band.

For more information about the RECP program, visit http://www.cnicn.navy.mil/regions/ndw.html>