Air Force Utility Allowance Program
The Utility Allowance (UA) Program was created by the Department of Defense (DoD) in 1998, with live billing rolling out in 2010, as an effort to reduce electricity and natural gas costs and promote energy conservation. The program is designed to set a reasonable range for normal electricity and gas consumption, and any money saved through the program is reinvested into the PPV project to improve housing quality.
The program encourages residents to become more responsible for their energy usage and provides incentives for them to conserve energy. Under the program, homes are grouped together based on factors that influence energy usage, including size in square feet, the age of the home, and the number of bedrooms. The groups are called “Like-Type Groups” (LTGs) and a monthly usage baseline is calculated for each LTG. Although specifics of the program vary by service, they all follow the premise that residents can be credited if their usage falls below the baseline or directly billed for any utility usage above the baseline.
Residents receive a UA utility statement each month showing whether they have a credit, balance due for payment, or no charge. The charges incurred for usage in excess of the baseline are used to fund the credits provided to those households that used less than the baseline. Congress required DoD to suspend the program in 2020 following criticism from housing residents for concerns of inequity in household comparisons, meter accuracy concerns and other issues.
Congress has now approved the reinstatement of the UA Program and in December 2021, OSD issued formal guidance outlining the requirements for program reinstatement. Each Service is working with the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) providers to introduce the program across various installations. The OSD Policy requires the MHPI provider must complete a certification of meter accuracy and home wiring verification to validate the usage measured is solely for that housing unit before the installation can resume live billing under the UA Program.
Benefits of the UA Program
- We all benefit from energy conservation! Energy saved as a result of the UA Program is good for the environment and national security. The UA Program conservation will result in reduced wear on appliances, as well as reduced greenhouse gases, pollution and dependence on foreign oil. Conservation is good for PPV communities, our country and the earth.
- Opportunity to earn rebates! You will earn rebates if you use less energy than the normal usage average for your home’s Like-Type Group.
- Dollars saved go back in the community! The savings generated by your energy conservation will do more than just help you save money on your utility bill. By reducing overall energy usage, Hunt Military Communities will be able to invest more into project sustainment, including improved community and quality of life programs.
How to Read Your Bill
Click the link below to see a sample bill with an explanation of each section.
Click Here to Understand Your Bill
Energy Assessment Checklist
Welcome to the Hunt Energy Assessment Checklist! This easy-to-use tool is designed to help you evaluate your home’s energy usage and identify opportunities for improvement. By completing this assessment, you'll gain valuable insights into how you can enhance your energy efficiency and potentially reduce your costs.
Taking just 10-15 minutes to complete this assessment can lead to significant long-term benefits for both your wallet and the planet. Ready to get started?
Click Here to Begin Your Energy Assessment!
Videos
Below are brief videos showing an overview of how monthly utility services will be billed for active duty residents under the UA Program & best practices for conserving energy and reducing your household’s utility bills.
Utility Allowance Program
Resident Energy Assessment
Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicle Charging Guidelines for Residents
Per the Community Guidelines and Lease Agreement, all residents who own or operate an Electric Vehicle ("EV") or Recreational Vehicle ("RV") must comply with the following:
- It is prohibited to plug EVs or RVs into any outlet on the Premises or anywhere on the Owner’s property without prior written approval, unless otherwise posted.
- Tenant is prohibited from altering electrical wiring in garage, shed spaces, or any other area of the home for the purpose of charging an EV or RV.
- Residents who possess in their home a passenger hybrid vehicle(s), or a passenger electric vehicle(s), that is required to be electrically charged, must inform the Community Management Office immediately upon bringing or storing that vehicle at the Premises.
- Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in additional fees being assessed, emphasizing the importance of compliance for all residents.
These EV Charging Guidelines not only align with the Air Force's commitment to reducing carbon footprints, but also enhances the quality of life for residents by ensuring energy resources are effectively managed.
FAQs
Helpful Links
Contact
Need Help? Questions
YES Energy Contact Info
Phone: 844-979-4416
Email: YESCS@yardi.com
