Monitoring utility bill keeps Airmen out of hot water

  • Published
  • By SrA Nadine Y. Barclay
  • 31
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  As a military member, uprooting to a new base can be challenging -- even more so when moving to an overseas location, where unique and specific challenges await.

One of those challenges involves knowing how Italian utility companies work on estimates when issuing renters their home fuels bills. Understanding this process can help members living on the economy to prepare themselves financially for a potentially large utility bill.

When families in-process, the 31st Force Support Squadron Home Fuels office assists members with setting up their utilities. Once a member has found a house or apartment on the economy, it is important they visit the home fuels office with a copy of an approved housing contract, current serial numbers with meter reading and their codice fiscale.

"We are the liaison office for the base community to the Italian utility companies", says Rita Jenkins, HF office supervisor, "We provide service to roughly 3,000 families at any given time."

According to the home fuels office, there the wait for a gas appointment can take up to three weeks. Electric typically takes 5-7 business days. These appointments are not controlled by the 31st FSS Home Fuels office and missed appointments will result in longer wait times for utility hookup.

Once utilities are hooked up, it takes an average of six to eight months for a member to receive their first bill.

"The utility company issues bills based on the estimated usage for a two month period," said Toyka Roney, HF sales clerk, who stresses the importance of renters bringing in their own meter readings to be compared with the estimated usage from the utility companies. "The meters are checked at least once a year if they are accessible for reading. We at least like the member to bring in a meter reading every two months so we can see if their bill is over or under estimated."

Which is where some Airmen and their families find themselves in a financial crunch - the actual cost turns out to be higher than the bill estimate.

"When the Italian gas companies do read your meter, those that haven't paid enough will receive a 'catch-up bill.'" said Mrs. Roney. "This is the difference between your estimated meter reading and your actual meter usage."

"All my bills are consistently high," said Staff Sgt. Jason Smith, 31st Fighter Wing Safety Office, who checks his meter reading annually. "I personally had a friend receive a $3,000 bill when trying to PCS because his actual usage was under estimated. My wife and I set aside a portion of our utilities allotment each month in order to offset a potentially high PCS bill."

For members concerned about saving money for their utilities, the 31st FSS Home Fuels office has some advice.

"I recommend that members going TDY or traveling down range educate their spouses on how to check the meter readings," said Mrs. Roney. "For those customers with gasolio tanks, teach them how to check the levels and how to order a refill. Check all windows and doors for drafts and turn the heater down instead of completely off. Lastly, take proactive steps towards your utility bill rather than reactive steps later."

For more information, call 632-5083 or stop by the home fuels office located in Building 1403.