Aurora Housing utility allowance changes; Costs could be passed on to tenants Published March 2, 2009 ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The cost of electricity and natural gas in Alaska increased in 2009. The rate Aurora Housing pays to the government and the local providers for these utilities is not exempt from the more than 20 percent increase. Thus, differences may could be passed on to base housing residents. In January, the utility allowance was adjusted for all phase I (Sunflower- units on Fairchild Avenue, Dallas, Silver Run and Chugach) housing areas. The new rates will be included in the monthly utility statement. New utility allowances for phase II housing units (Moose Crossing, New Sunflower units not on Fairchild Avenue, Denver, Houston, Cherry Hill and Dayton) have been deferred for at least a year until accurate utility usage data can be obtained. Aurora Housing will pay for the usage until allowances have been updated in these housing areas. "Utilities rates on Elmendorf have been and continue to be lower than off-base," said David Germer, Aurora Housing spokesman. "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." The phase I utility allowance is a portion of the basic allowance for housing that Aurora sets aside to cover gas and electric utility costs for each house. Aurora pays for the tenants' water and sewer costs regardless of the usage. The utility allowance encourages energy conservation and also protects tenants from cost spikes due to severe weather or seasonal anomalies. In accordance with the agreements between Aurora and the Air Force, Aurora is required to annually adjust the allowances based on actual metered usage and current utility rates. When calculating the allowances, consumption is based upon 110 percent of the metered average consumption for units in your housing area over the past five years. As an example from last year, Chugach housing area residents consumed an average of 681 kWh per month and have received an allowance equal to 749 kWh per month. Since 2008, Aurora has provided phase I tenants with a quarterly adjusted utility allowance due to the vast difference in consumption of gas and electricity in the summer and winter. This difference caused tenants to obtain a refund in the summer and make payments in the winter. Aurora will continue to adjust the allowances quarterly to minimize the seasonal differences in usage. Aurora will still read utility meters monthly and provide a statement reflecting the tenant's actual consumption, the quarterly allowance amount and the resulting balance of the account. Currently, Aurora will issue a refund check if the credit balance exceeds $200. If the debit balance exceeds $250, the tenant is required to make the payment. Each account is annually reconciled and adjusted to zero at the end of June. Tenants are encouraged to call or go by the Aurora Housing office to discuss other energy-saving tips, heat-loss issues and to see what is available at the U-fix-it Store. Heating a home uses more energy than any other system. By following these simple tips, residents can make their homes more energy efficient: · Turning thermostats down when no one is home · Limiting open doors to the shortest possible time · Having a full capacity load in the washer, dryer and dishwasher · Turning off lights in unoccupied rooms or during the day For more information call Aurora housing at 753-1051, or visit www.auroramilitaryhousing.org.