Turn off your lights or pay the price

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shandresha Mitchell
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  During March 2015, the revised utility allowance approved by the Air Force went into effect. As part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense mandate, privatized housing projects are required to participate in a utility billing program.

This UA is reviewed monthly and updated annually by the Air Force and reflects an increase in the allowable charge for electricity, which is measured by cost per kilowatt-hour. 

"The overall goal of utility billing is to reduce resident usage, encourage conservation and maintain a neutral billing, no rebate or charge for families" commented Richard Lee, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron housing manager. 

For Harbor Bay families at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, the utility allowance is determined by comparing like-type homes, in the same neighborhood with the same number of bedrooms, and usage monitored by meters for each house.

"Although the service provider changed from Minol to Conservice this year, the process for determining UA across the housing communities and monitoring consumption remains the same," said Lee. 

Each month, Harbor Bay reviews consumption reports prior to billing and will contact residents who have had excessive changes to their consumption.

Utility allowance is based upon a five-year rolling average and is seasonally adjusted. MacDill AFB is currently in year four.

"Our residents continue to focus on energy conservation and we have noticed a significant reduction in electricity use over the last 4 years," commented Amanda Bailey, Harbor Bay's community director.

This summer, the higher heat and humidity increased the base's energy demand, and residents continue to be billed subject to a cumulative trigger of $50 before a charge or a rebate is applied. 

"Driving through the community, we have watched household behaviors change to be more conscious of opportunities to conserve, such as turning off outdoor ceiling fans and lights when not in use," said Bailey.

In July, only three percent of residents were charged and 24 percent of families still earned rebates.

Residents are encouraged to engage with Harbor Bay for any of their housing concerns. 

The maintenance team offers a home energy audit to assist families with understanding their consumption behaviors and the staff provides helpful tips in various emails and updates.

"Kill A Watt" meters are available for check out at self-help to assist families with identifying items within their homes, such as TV's, stereo equipment and other electronics which may impact their electric consumption.   

The Harbor Bay maintenance team can be reached at 813-840-2000 to schedule an energy audit.