The policy seeks to increase awareness of usage and ultimately lead to reduced energy consumption. Moreover, it supports the Army’s goals to reduce energy consumption. The program is set up so that Soldiers who conserve are financially rewarded through rebates. It is not a profit center for the Army, USAG-HI or Island Palm Communities. Money saved through the program will directly benefit Soldiers and families; money will be used for community amenities, services and other needs as determined by USAG-HI leadership.

At USAG-HI, Soldiers and families are responsible only for electricity consumption above the baseline.

You will find the reports to be very user-friendly, but should you want more details simply log on to www.ista-direct.com.

The baseline is determined by calculating the average energy consumption of all homes belonging to a specific profile. To calculate the baseline in each profile, IPC: Removes unoccupied homes Removes homes in partial billing periods (move ins, move outs) Removes the highest and lowest 10% of users.

USAG-HI uses a rolling baseline, which means the average energy consumption for a home will change each month.

A 10% buffer zone above and below the baseline has been established by USAG-HI. No payments will need to be made or rebates sent if usage is within the buffer zone.

If you are over the buffer zone by less than $50, you will not need to pay a bill at this time. Your balance will be accrued and carried over to the next month. If you are over the buffer zone by $50 or more, a payment is required and your energy consumption statement will state, “Remit Payment.”

If you are within your buffer zone you will receive a No Action Statement. If you are under your buffer zone by more than $50, a rebate check will accompany your energy consumption statement. If you are under your buffer zone by less than $50 the balance will be accrued and carried over to the next month until it exceeds $50, at which time you will receive a rebate check.

Yes. To support the Army’s program, Island Palm Communities will provide energy-saving tips and educational programs to families through its SYNERGY (Saving Your Nation’s Energy) program, through information and resources found on its website, and on Utility Consumption Reports.

BAH includes a portion for utilities that should cover costs for normal energy use. This will not change. The majority of families should experience no out-of-pocket expenses. It is also important to know that Island Palm Communities residents receive a significant discount on their price per kWh rate. Rates are historically 5 cents less than the residential kWh rate off post.

Following a year-long mock billing period, live billing began in July 2011 with families living in homes built after 2004. Families living in renovated and non-renovated homes are not receiving live bills at this time; billing for these families will begin when all homes in their community have been renovated and brought up to the same standard. However, families in these homes receive a monthly energy consumption report that can help them understand their energy use, adjust any habits, if necessary, and prepare them for live billing.Families living in homes that are scheduled to be demolished are not part of the utility program and do not receive energy consumption statements.