Utility mock billing update planned for IPC town halls

By Island Palm Communities, News ReleaseFebruary 7, 2011

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - The residential utility program, otherwise known as "mock billing," will be discussed at two upcoming town halls hosted by U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii and Island Palm Communities.

Dates for the discussions are 6:30 p.m., Feb. 16, at Aliamanu Military Reservation Chapel, and 6:30 p.m., Feb. 17, at the Kalakaua Community Center, Schofield Barracks. All residents are encouraged to attend.

"I strongly encourage families to attend and to have any questions or concerns they have answered and addressed," said Col. Douglas Mulbury, commander, USAG-HI. "We've received great ideas from residents at these meetings. A great suggestion was made at a recent town hall to include a home's profile in energy statements, and we were able to make it happen."

Monthly mock utility statements depict a home's actual energy usage and then compare that amount to an average amount of electricity used by families living in similar homes.

Mock billing is helping Island Palm Communities residents prepare for a Secretary of Defense policy that requires a reduction in energy use throughout the Department of Defense.

"The mock billing period helps to make sure our families understand the Department of Defense program, and (that they) are provided with the information they need to be responsible consumers of electricity," Mulbury said. "It's really a win-win program for our families and the Army. Money saved through reduced energy consumption will be used to enhance services and amenities, and support other needs of families living in Island Palm Communities."

When actual utility billing begins, families that use less than the average amount of electricity will receive a monetary credit. Likewise, families that exceed the average will owe money.

Most Army garrisons in the U.S. have implemented the utility billing program. USAG-HI will begin actual billing this year; however, local Army leadership hasn't identified a date, yet.

Mock Billing Town Halls

Aca,!AcFeb. 16, 6:30 p.m., Aliamanu Military Reservation Chapel

Aca,!AcFeb. 17, 6:30 p.m., Kalakaua Community Center, Schofield Barracks