HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Beginning this month, Boyer Hill Housing is implementing the Resident Energy Conservation Program, which could impact bills of those who are using a higher-than-average amount of utilities.
The program is mandated by the Department of Defense with the aim of promoting energy conservation and reducing home energy usage, specifically electrical and natural gas use, within privatized military housing. It is already in place at bases across the Air Force and DoD.
Residents will have electricity and gas usage metered and averaged for the month, based on consumption of similarly sized and aged homes. Using less than the average will create a billing credit, while using more than average will incur a debt.
The credit and debit amounts will be reconciled by refund and bill when the respective balance exceeds $50. Residents who incur a debt will pay at the industrial rate, which is a 30% discount from the residential rates paid by off-base residents. Many residents may never pay a bill or receive a refund as their rolling balance covers month-to-month variances.
Before, utility costs for residents of base housing have been fully covered by residents’ Base Allowance for Housing, a U.S. based allowance for military members prescribed by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status.
In preparation for the program implementation, residents have been receiving “mock” bills for more than a year, informing them how much energy they were consuming and how much they would be credited or charged. Civilians living on base have utilities included in their rent and will not be affected by the program.
Residents can conserve energy in the summer by setting the thermostat at 78 degrees or as high as is comfortable during the day, keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day, opening windows during cooler evening hours and using ceiling and portable fans.
During the winter, set the thermostat at 68 degrees or as low as is comfortable, wear warm clothing and extra layers, keep curtains and blinds open during daylight hours and close blinds and curtains at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.