For the next several months, in new housing only, meters will be read to determine an average monthly consumption rate for electricity and gas. The consumption data that is collected will be used to establish an average consumption or a ’baseline’ to which residents will have to target their respective consumption.

In short, military families living in privatized housing on post will become responsible for their utilities.

The actual utility billing will most likely start no earlier than 2009 after average consumption rates, or baselines, are computed and residents have had a year of ''mock'' bills that reflect their usage. When actual billing begins, those families that use less than the average rate could earn a rebate and those who use more will need to pay the difference. If residents conserve, they can save money.

So, when mock billing commences, residents will not have to pay any portion of their utility usage for approximately one year. However, these mock bills require attention and should be used as tools to evaluate each respective family’s energy consumption. All families should work to use energy near or below the reflected baseline, stated on the bill itself. Along with the mock bills, families will also receive monthly energy tips and training on how to be more energy efficient.

Under the one-year mock billing program, residents should take the opportunity to see how much energy they’re using and make improvements, if necessary, before they become responsible for consumption.

Residents abusing utilities will be billed accordingly. Conversely, if a family uses energy in a conscientious manner, their basic allowance for housing should cover all costs, rent and utilities, in privatized housing.

For more information, residents should contact the Fort Detrick GMH Military Housing office at 240-379-6519.