The Resident Responsibility Program is the Army's plan that encourages residents to be more responsible for electric consumption in homes on post as part of the Congressionally-mandated, Department of Defense Utility Conservation Program. This program places the responsibility for utility conservation on each resident. Those who consume energy conservatively will earn a rebate. Those who choose to use energy less conservatively will be billed for their "excess" consumption.
Fort Polk residents have received monthly consumption reports since July 2009 showing your electric usage and how it compares to the average usage in "like homes" on post. Residents were not billed during this time. These reports were created to give you an opportunity to review your current utility consumption and adjust if necessary.
During the twelve month "mock billing" period we analyzed the reports and also made revisions to the "like homes" or groupings. Live billing has begun.
For residents who may not fully understand the Resident Responsibility Program, a monthly baseline is calculated by averaging the consumption of occupied, "like homes" or groupings. This is an average which is recalculated monthly. This average will be used to establish that month’s baseline for actual credit/rebate or billing. The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) covers electric utilities up to the baseline.
If you consume less than the average baseline, you will receive a credit or are paid a rebate.
If your energy consumption is above the average baseline, but less than 5% above, you will not be charged. This will be an indication of higher than average usage and will give you the opportunity to reduce your future consumption to the baseline or below it.
If your energy consumption is more than the 5% above the baseline you will be billed that month for the difference between the baseline and your actual consumption.
In order to manage this more efficiently, payment of bills and credits will be subject to a minimum starting point of $15. If the amount owed to you as a credit or by you as a bill is less than $15, that amount will accrue to the next month. Once any amount owed by you or to you is $15 or greater, a bill will be generated or a rebate check will be issued.
If you have a question regarding the Resident Responsibility Program please contact your Neighborhood Office. If you have a question pertaining specifically to your consumption report when you receive it please contact ista at 1-800-569-3014 or via email at inquiries@ista-na.com.
Lightning--The Underrated KillerIn the United States, there are an estimated 25 million lightning flashes each year. During the past 30 years, lightning killed an average of 58 people per year. This is higher than 57 deaths per year caused by tornadoes and average 48 deaths per year due to hurricanes. Yet because lightning usually claims only one or two victims at a time and does not cause mass destruction of property, it is underrated as a risk. While documented lightning injuries in the United States average about 300 per year, undocumented injuries are likely much higher.
- Watch for Developing Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms are most likely to develop on spring or summer days but can occur year round. As the sun heats the air, pockets of warmer air start to rise and cumulus clouds form. Continued heating can cause these clouds to grow vertically into towering cumulus clouds, often the first sign of a developing thunderstorm.
- When to Seek Safe Shelter:Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the area where it is raining. That's about the distance you can hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance. Seek safe shelter immediately.
- Outdoor Activities: Minimize the risk of being struck. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur in the summer. Where organized outdoor sports activities take place, coaches, camp counselors and other adults must stop activities at the first roar of thunder to ensure everyone has time to get to a large building or enclosed vehicle. Leaders of outdoors events should have a written plan that all staff are aware of and enforce.
- Indoor Activities: Inside buildings, stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity. Stay away from pools (indoor or outdoor), tubs, showers and other plumbing. Buy surge suppressors for key equipment. Install ground fault protectors on circuits near water or outdoors. When inside, wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder, before going outside again.
- Helping a Lightning Strike Victim: Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge, are safe to touch, and need urgent medical attention. Cardiac arrest is the immediate cause of death for those who die. Some deaths can be prevented if the victim receives the proper first aid immediately. Call 9-1-1 immediately and perform CPR if the person is unresponsive or not breathing. Use an Automatic External Defibrillator if one is available.
- Summary: Lightning is dangerous. With common sense, you can greatly increase your safety and the safety of those you are with. At the first clap of thunder, go to a large building or fully enclosed vehicle and wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before you to go back outside.