It’s no secret; changes are coming for those families who live in on-base housing.
Marine Corps wide, instillations are implementing the Resident Energy Conservation Program, an initiative put in place April 1 to give families living on base incentives to use less power.
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma has already begun putting this new plan into action, though no one should worry about receiving a “bill†any time soon.
“There is a lot of information gathering and planning that has to happen first,†said Mark Smith, station military housing manager. “Even after the program is officially put in to action most families won’t be affected. If you’re living a normal, conscious lifestyle you won’t have anything to worry about.â€
As more information about the program is coming out all families residing in privatized military housing will receive updates, until then now is a good time to start learning ways to conserve energy at home.
Eight tips to save energy:
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs or light-emitting diode bulbs.
- Use fans before air conditioners.
- Shorten showers.
- Wash clothes in cold water.
- Report leaky faucets.
- Eliminate power sneakers like phone chargers, printers, monitors, etc. These things draw power even when not in use.
- Get into the habit of turning off lights, TVs, fans, air conditioning, etc, when you leave the house.
- During the summer, set your thermostat to the warmest comfortable setting.
Smith also highlighted it’s important to remember a percentage of the basic allowance for housing is allotted to utilities and most families will have no change but more motivation to conserve energy.
“Little things individually may not seem like much but together will save energy,†Smith added.
Families living in base housing should keep an eye out for an official letter describing in detail the program, its timeline and requirements, or contact the housing office at 928-269-3643.
