Aurora military housing utility allowance changes Published Feb. 18, 2011 By Aurora Military Housing News release JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Starting in January, the utility allowance was adjusted for all phase I (Sunflower - those units on Fairchild Ave., Dallas, Silver Run and Chugach housing areas) metered housing units to reflect a 16.5 percent increase in electricity and 4.5 increase in natural gas rates Aurora pays to the government and a local provider, respectively. The new rates will be included in the monthly utility statement. Implementation of utility allowances for metered phase II housing units (Moose Crossing, New Sunflower - those units not on Fairchild Ave., Denver, Houston, Cherry Hill and Dayton Housing Areas) has been deferred for at least a year. Compiling accurate utility consumption data over a number of years is the key to developing accurate utility allowance figures. Since insufficient utility data is available for metered Phase II housing units, implementation of a utility allowance for these units has been deferred by the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment, for at least one year. Until such time that these housing areas receive a utility allowance, Aurora will pay for all utility usage. The Phase I utility allowance is a portion of the Basic Allowance for Housing that Aurora sets aside to cover the gas and electric utility costs for each house. Aurora pays for each resident's water and sewer costs regardless of the usage. The utility allowance encourages energy conservation and also protects tenants from spikes due to severe weather conditions and seasonal anomalies. In accordance with the agreements between Aurora and the Air Force, Aurora is required to annually adjust the utility allowances based upon actual metered usage data and current utility rates. In calculating the allowances, consumption is based upon 110 percent of the actual metered average consumption data for units in your housing area from the past five years. As an example from last year, based on a 5-year period, Chugach housing area residents consumed an average of 677 kilowatt hours per month and have received an allowance equal to a consumption rate of 745 kWh/month (110 percent of 677) times the electric rate the Air Force charges Aurora. Aurora has been providing Phase I tenants with a quarterly adjusted utility allowance. Since gas and electric consumption have large seasonal consumption variations residents often found themselves in a position of either making a payment in the late winter or obtaining a refund in the late summer or fall. In an attempt to minimize the seasonal effects of utility usage and limit tenant utility payments, Aurora will again be adjusting the allowance on a quarterly basis. Aurora will continue to read utility meters monthly and provide a statement reflecting actual consumption, quarterly allowance amount and the resulting balance of the account. As is currently the case, when the credit balance of an account exceeds $200, Aurora will issue a refund check. In the alternative, if an account reflects a debit balance in excess of $250, tenants are required to make payment to Aurora in the amount of the account balance. In addition, each account is annually reconciled and adjusted to zero at the end June. This means during July residents will either be refunded any accumulated credit, or invoiced for any amount owed regardless of the dollar amount. By following just a few of the simple tips, residents can make their homes more comfortable and easier to heat and electrify - while saving money. Heating a home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system. Turning thermostats down when no one is at home or limiting opening the garage door to the shortest possible period can result in substantial savings in natural gas usage. Electricity and natural gas can be saved by making certain that the full capacity of the washer, dryer or dishwasher is being used. Turning off lights in unoccupied rooms or during the day can have a significant impact on electrical energy usage. Aurora encourages tenants to call or stop by their office to discuss other energy savings tips, heat loss issues and to check out what items are available in the u-fix-it store for energy conservation. "Utilities rates on (base) have been and continue to be lower than off-base," said David Germer of Aurora Housing. "As long as everyone exercises energy conservation measures, there will be no out of pocket expenses. However, for those who do not conserve energy, they may find themselves in the position of paying for the greater energy use than what is set aside by Aurora." Residents with questions can call Aurora at 753-1023.