Feb 5 2013 “Straight Talk with Smith” Queries and Responses Resident Electric Conservation Program (RECP): Will the bands of average usage drop as electric consumption also drops?
Yes. The baseline/buffer/ life type group will be averaged monthly. If average usage drops, the ‘band’ will drop as well. What are some things Lincoln Housing is doing ahead of time to be proactive in preparing for the program implementation by evaluating energy efficiency?
Lincoln Military Housing continuously works to ensure housing units are energy efficient. It is encouraged that if you are aware of an inefficient appliance or would like to have them ‘check’ your usage, that you contact them directly. Are there lessons learned from the Hawaii and South Carolina RECP program that can help us here in San Diego?
Yes. Decreasing the ‘buffer’ from 20% to 10% is expected to increase energy savings. What are the consequences if a service member refuses to pay the overage cost?
This situation would be treated similar to a resident not paying rent. Lincoln Military Housing is responsible to collect rents and utility payments incurred by residents. Speaking of rent, will Lincoln Housing residents be required to sign a new lease to incorporate RECP?
There will be a new lease addendum which each resident will be asked to sign. Only electric usage will be monitored, correct? Also, how will a tenant know that the buffer/life type is?
Correct. At this time only electricity is included in RECP. The buffer/life type is shown on the statement each month. Where can someone get the paper work to apply for a waiver?
An Exception to Policy Request letter from the resident to the local Navy Housing Office is required. Waivers apply to only Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) members. A bona fide need must be demonstrated and enrollment in the EFMP program does not instantly qualify someone. A documented need for extra power usage in care of the EFMP member must be provided.
Will there be an option for advanced payments toward future electric over use? What about credit balances when someone vacates quarters?
There is not an option to provide advance payments. However, $25 is the ‘trigger’ amount in which a service member will be billed or refunded. There is a roll over option that would enable a resident to keep refunds in their RECP account that could be used to offset future usage. When someone moves out of Lincoln Housing, they will be issued the balance of their credits. What will the money generated from the payment of ‘over buffer usage’ be used for?
Revenues will be used to support long term sustainment and renovation of Lincoln Housing neighborhoods and houses.
Other conservation question: Can NBSD look into installing faucets that let the water run only briefly in the gym facilities? In that vein, what is the phone number to report water waste and to also suggest ways to curb usage? ANS: Based on this great feedback, gym staffs will begin hourly walkthroughs of the locker rooms. Also, we are researching with our Public Works Department the cost/benefit of installing sensors in faucets which will cut off automatically and reduce water waste. Finally, to report concerns like these or others, call the NBSD Athletic Office at (619) 556-7444. Good Neighbor/Good Shipmate questions: What can be done about the graffiti on the walk way bridges near the Gate 6 entrance? It is unsightly. What are the base operator numbers for us to use to report such issues? ANS: Our facilities managers at Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) are looking into a graffiti solution. We have also updated the CNIC website under the “Contact Us” section to add the base operator numbers. Cell phones or other text devices that illuminate are a distraction during movies in the theater. What can we do to limit this interruption during movies? ANS: Ushers are walking the theater to address device usage. Also, during the previews, patrons will be reminded to respect others by not using their devices during the movie. Transportation questions:
Base traffic continues to be an issue. Many people have to leave home early to get on base in time for work. Are new gates opening soon? ANS: Tenants are encouraged to try alternate routes. As a matter of fact, during peak hours, Gates 2, 6A and 13 are actually underutilized. Gate 7 is also expected to open soon. Parking on base is a concern for Service Members. As with traffic, many people feel they have to leave for work extra early just to find a parking spot. What can be done? ANS: Believe it or not, parking is available; it’s just not where Sailors want it to be. Parking lots along Harbor Drive just inside the fence are underutilized. We need to get use to walking 1-2 blocks to our works spaces or ships. Are we still planning to discontinue the usage of vehicle decals? There have been discussions in the past about possibly not using them anymore. What’s the latest? ANS: We are still planning for decal usage to go away, but have not received further definitive guidance as to when. Be assured when we know, we will widely publicize the way ahead. Will Navy Medical Center San Diego (traffic and appointments) be affected by Operation Citadel Shield the 25th and 26th of February? ANS: We expect normal rhythms and routines at the Naval Medical Center during the exercise.