Reports that at Fort Polk, Louisiana, the space conditioning systems of 4003 military family housing units have been converted to geothermal heat pumps under an energy savings performance contract. At the same time, other energy efficiency measures such as compact fluorescent lights, low-flow hot water outlets, and attic insulation have been installed. These retrofits were performed by an energy services company at no up-front cost to the Army. The company has also assumed responsibility for maintenance of all the equipment installed. In return, it receives a percentage of the energy and maintenance savings realised. Develops a rigorous cost estimate, and estimates the reliability of the equipment, and the effect of required replacements each year on annual maintenance costs.

KEYWORDS: year 1997, USA, heat pumps, soil, energy conservation, modernising, equipment, housing, maintenance, costs, contracts, energy management, geothermal energy, reliability