The Resident Energy Conservation Program (RECP) 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 RECP 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 RECP 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 RECP Program.
Benefits of the RECP Program
We all benefit from energy conservation! Energy saved as a result of the RECP Program is good for the environment and national security. The RECP 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.
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?
Below are brief videos showing an overview of how monthly utility services will be billed for active duty residents under the RECP 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 Navy's commitment to reducing carbon footprints, but also enhances the quality of life for residents by ensuring energy resources are effectively managed.
FAQs
The NAVY RECP is part of a larger Department of Defense initiative to reduce energy consumption. Reductions in utility use as a result of RECP will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, therefore contributing to increased national security, and reduce greenhouse gases and pollution, thus helping to improve the quality of life for all Americans. Furthermore, financial savings resulting from reduced usage will be reinvested in PPV communities to directly improve your quality of life.
The tentative roll out schedule for live billing will vary by the Region of the country where the Navy has PPV homes.
For more specific information about when the RECP will roll out for a specific installation contact your local Navy housing office (a master list of all Navy installation housing offices is located at https://ffr.cnic.navy.mil/Navy-Housing/Contact-Navy-Housing).
The Resident Energy Conservation Program (RECP) establishes like-type groups of housing and measures the average usage for each like-type group every month. A 10% buffer is then added above and below the average to create a normal usage band. Residents participating in the RECP (referred to herein as Qualified Military Tenants or QMTs) will receive monthly statements on how their usage compares to the normal usage band. Those using more than the normal usage band pay for the excess and those using less than will receive a rebate or credit for the difference between the normal usage band and their actual usage.
Dollars saved through conservation will be put right back into the PPV project in the form of capital reinvestments such as new housing, renovations, community amenities, quality of life programs, etc. Sailors will earn rebates if they use less than the normal usage band for their like-type group.
Your house will be combined with other housing units into like-type groups (LTG) of metered homes that have similar characteristics that affect home energy performance such as the square footage, age, heating type (electricity vs. gas), and condition of the home.
Each month the average usage of utilities for the LTG are developed with a 10% buffer above and below the average to create a normal usage band. Qualified Military Tenants (QMTs) with usage above the normal usage band will pay for the excess and those conserving relative to the normal usage band will receive a rebate for their savings.
Please note: household make-up is not a factor in determining targets. LTGs only consider the physical characteristics of the home, not the occupants.
Your utility usage target is established on a monthly basis to account for actual weather changes. All members of the LTG are subject to the same weather changes so they are all calculated accordingly.
Yes, your Resident Services Manager/Housing Office can provide you with that information.
There will be no impact to the BAH allowance.
Yes. An allowance for “normal” or “average” utilities is a part of the BAH. BAH includes an allowance for the following utilities: electricity, gas or other heating fuels, and water/sewer. The BAH includes the cost of utilities based on averages from residents living in the private sector who are directly responsible for paying for their utilities. This program is intended to encourage QMTs to achieve normal usage and to reward them for conservation beyond normal expectations. If you conserve and use utilities wisely within the normal range, you will have no out-of-pocket utility expense and, with a little extra effort, could be eligible for a utilities rebate.
Every month QMTs will receive a monthly statement that shows how their usage compares to the normal usage band for their specific like-type group. QMTs who use less than the normal usage band can accrue a credit or rebate and residents who use more than the upper normal usage band will pay for the excess consumption. Before residents are responsible for payments they will experience a “mock billing period.”
Mock billing will allow residents to adjust their consumption before live billing starts. After mock billing the live billing period starts and residents will be directly responsible for their utility usage. "Other qualified tenants" (residents who do not pay with BAH) will receive a billing statement from the third party billing service and they will be required to pay for all gas and/or electric utility usage during the given month.
As dictated in the RECP, other qualified residents are exempt from the RECP and, therefore, are responsible for paying their own designated utilities.
No. If your usage is within the normal usage band you will not have to make any payments. Only if you exceed the normal usage band will you have to pay and then only for the amount over the normal usage band. If you are below the normal usage band you will be eligible to receive a rebate for the difference between the amount consumed and the lower end of the usage band.
QMTs whose monthly utilities usage is below the normal usage band will be notified in the monthly utility usage report including the amount of the rebate earned. When the accumulated rebate exceeds $50 the property manager will issue a direct deposit to the resident. QMTs have the option to “bank” the savings if they want and use savings to offset future payments. The payments work in a similar fashion – the resident will be notified monthly and will make payment whenever the total owed exceeds $50.
Your monthly utility usage report is based on the individual utility meters on your home. The PPV project company will collect information from the meters and develop a usage report for each home. If you feel there are inaccuracies on your bill, please contact the billing company listed on your statement for review.
Residents can request their property manager perform an evaluation of the home to ensure that all of the appliances and energy using features of the home are in good order. The property manager will also provide tips on how to make your home more energy efficient.
No. We account for these minor differences by utilizing the 10% plus or minus buffer around the utility usage target.
The rent for PPV homes is typically the BAH rate. BAH does not vary depending upon family size. Families are assigned to homes appropriate for the size of the family/what they qualify for. LTGs include similar homes in the average calculations, regardless of household makeup.
Residents with a past due account will receive delinquency notice letters and a late fee may be applied based on the terms of your lease. Extreme delinquencies can result in a notice to vacate housing and can potentially affect your credit. The PPV partnership will work with you to arrange payment plans if you need help making payments.
PPV homes are typically not individually metered for water, so RECP excludes water usage. However, conserving water remains crucial as excess use strains PPV project funds. Property managers will continue to encourage water-saving initiatives.
All military members, regardless of Branch of Service, living in Navy PPV housing must sign a lease and addendum that requires participation in RECP. The Army and Air Force are transferring responsibility for payment of utilities to residents that live in their privatized housing much like the Navy.
The easiest way to reduce your energy usage is by regulating your thermostat to minimize heating and or cooling requirements. Wise use of hot water, lighting and appliances can also contribute significantly to energy savings. Finally, you can request the property manager perform an energy assessment to identify energy savings strategies specific to your home.
Yes, your family member may qualify for a waiver from the RECP for qualifying Exceptional Family Member (EFM) program and wounded warrior participants Each housing office will have procedures for submitting a waiver. Please contact your installation’s Housing Service Center for details.
You will be charged the same rate the PPV partner is charged to provide utilities to your home. The rate will be included on your bill and is available at any time by contacting the billing company listed on your statement. Sometimes the utilities are provided by the supporting installation for the PPV project and other instances it will be the rate from a 3rd party utility provider. By law, the PPV partner is not allowed to charge you a higher rate than they pay for utilities.
You can pay your utility bill through the Hunt Resident App or via the Hunt Resident Portal link on your property’s website. Online payments let you view your balance, set up monthly auto-pay, or make one-time payments using a bank account (checking or savings), debit card, or credit card. In-person payments are not accepted at the local community office.
For any questions about your utility bill, payments, rebates or other inquiries, please call the 24-hour YES Customer Service line: 844-979-4416 or email YESCS@yardi.com
Important Notice for Buckley and Dover Residents
We want to inform you about an important change regarding your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and utility billing that will take effect on January 1, 2025.
Key Changes:
BAH Credits: Residents at Buckley and Dover will no longer receive BAH credits specifically for paying utility bills. Instead, your rent amount will transition to full BAH allotment, with no utility credit applied.
Communication Timeline: We will start communicating our plan to residents in October 2024, to ensure everyone is informed well ahead of the transition.
Utility Lease Addendum: All active-duty residents will be required to sign an updated utility lease addendum.
Billing Transition: From January 1, 2025, residents will enter a three-month mock billing period (January to March 2025) under the new methodology. Live billing will commence in April 2025.
New Utility Allowance Method: The Utility Allowance method will transition to a monthly baseline method. Under this new system, service members will stop receiving a monthly utility credit to their BAH. The Project Owner will collect 100% of the BAH, with a portion allocated to the Utility Allowance. This allowance will be based on normal monthly usage baselines for each like-type home group.
Over-Consumption and Under-Consumption Billing: Residents will be billed monthly for usage that exceeds the established baseline (over-consumption) and may receive rebates for usage below the baseline (under-consumption) to encourage energy conservation.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these changes aimed at promoting efficient energy use within our military housing communities. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to YES Energy Customer Service at 844-979-4416.
"Janet did a great job with getting us into our home while at Fort Gregg-Adams. She is the ultimate professional."
- Justin B. - Gregg-Adams Family Housing
"Great experience with Buckley Family Housing. I just PCS'd out after 3 years living here and it's great. Maria and Denise have always gone way above and beyond to help me. My house was beautiful and spacious with the added convenience of living on base near work, commissary, and child care. Definitely worth the BAH in my opinion."
- Lacey H. - Buckley Family Housing
"The staff have always been incredibly professional since we moved in 3 yrs ago. Freddie, the staff at Sandhill Landing and especially the maintenance team have always ensured things were taken care of promptly. We just wanted to say thank you all for all of your hard work."
- Capt. Christopher H. - Keesler Family Housing
"I love living where I feel safe, the kids can run around and play, and I don't have to worry about a thing when it comes to the home or bugs or anything! Highly recommend living here!"
- Dawn D. - Kirtland Family Housing
"Your staff is lovely. The homes are beautiful and maintenance is prompt when something is wrong. We're very pleased with our home and the staff."
- Monica A. - Patrick Family Housing
"I just wanted to let your team know how professional the folks assigned to Barksdale Housing are. Every time I go in to the office they want to help me out ..."
- Brandon C. - Barksdale Family Housing
"I've lived here since the spring of 2015 and, until I'm ready to buy a home, there's no other place I'd want to live. This community is close to two of the best schools in El Paso ISD, Dr. Nixon Elementary and Nolan Richardson Middle. The parks located within the community make this a perfect neighborhood to raise a family."
- Nina F. - Cottonwood Springs
"You guys have been great. Your staff does an outstanding job. I consider most of you all to be family. Keep up the good work!"
- Vincent S - Hunter's Cove Family Housing
"Shout out to the emergency maintenance guys on duty today! They arrived within 20 minutes of our no heat call, quickly determined this issue, ran back to the shop for supplies, and made the necessary repairs all within an hour. Very professional and efficient. Thank you!"
Hunt Military Communities (HMC), the largest owner and operator of military housing in the U.S., has achieved over $2.2 million in savings through its Utility Expense Management (UEM) Program and dedicated Utility Management and Sustainability teams. These savings are reinvesting into enhancing military housing for service members and their families.
Hunt Military Communities (HMC), the largest provider of privatized military housing in the United States, recently celebrated the Pershing Park Whole Home Renovation Project at Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB), with an official ribbon cutting event.
Hunt Military Communities (HMC), the nation’s largest provider of military housing, announced today that it has acquired full ownership of Homeport Hampton Roads, a high-performing privatized housing development supporting unaccompanied Navy personnel.
The Hunt Military Communities team at Nellis Air Force Base is embarking on a significant project to upgrade its HVAC systems, marking a pivotal step in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability
Hunt Military Communities Foundation (HMCF), the non-profit organization founded by Hunt Military Communities (HMC), concluded their third annual Back-to-School Brigade® program with Operation Homefront. In August, HMC delivered 2,064 backpacks filled with school supplies to military children living in HMC communities in the continental U.S. and Hawaii.
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems upgrade project began on June 19, 2023 for select Moody housing communities. The renovation project aims to help further modernize housing for Moody's Airmen and help improve their quality of life.
Hunt Military Communities (HMC), the largest owner and operator of military housing in the U.S., has achieved over $2.2 million in savings through its Utility Expense Management (UEM) Program and dedicated Utility Management and Sustainability teams. These savings are reinvesting into enhancing military housing for service members and their families.
Hunt Military Communities (HMC), the largest provider of privatized military housing in the United States, recently celebrated the Pershing Park Whole Home Renovation Project at Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB), with an official ribbon cutting event.
Hunt Military Communities (HMC), the nation’s largest provider of military housing, announced today that it has acquired full ownership of Homeport Hampton Roads, a high-performing privatized housing development supporting unaccompanied Navy personnel.
The Hunt Military Communities team at Nellis Air Force Base is embarking on a significant project to upgrade its HVAC systems, marking a pivotal step in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability
Hunt Military Communities Foundation (HMCF), the non-profit organization founded by Hunt Military Communities (HMC), concluded their third annual Back-to-School Brigade® program with Operation Homefront. In August, HMC delivered 2,064 backpacks filled with school supplies to military children living in HMC communities in the continental U.S. and Hawaii.
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems upgrade project began on June 19, 2023 for select Moody housing communities. The renovation project aims to help further modernize housing for Moody's Airmen and help improve their quality of life.
Hunt Military Communities (HMC), the largest owner and operator of military housing in the U.S., has achieved over $2.2 million in savings through its Utility Expense Management (UEM) Program and dedicated Utility Management and Sustainability teams. These savings are reinvesting into enhancing military housing for service members and their families.
Hunt Military Communities (HMC), the largest provider of privatized military housing in the United States, recently celebrated the Pershing Park Whole Home Renovation Project at Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB), with an official ribbon cutting event.
Hunt Military Communities (HMC), the nation’s largest provider of military housing, announced today that it has acquired full ownership of Homeport Hampton Roads, a high-performing privatized housing development supporting unaccompanied Navy personnel.
The Hunt Military Communities team at Nellis Air Force Base is embarking on a significant project to upgrade its HVAC systems, marking a pivotal step in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability
Hunt Military Communities Foundation (HMCF), the non-profit organization founded by Hunt Military Communities (HMC), concluded their third annual Back-to-School Brigade® program with Operation Homefront. In August, HMC delivered 2,064 backpacks filled with school supplies to military children living in HMC communities in the continental U.S. and Hawaii.
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems upgrade project began on June 19, 2023 for select Moody housing communities. The renovation project aims to help further modernize housing for Moody's Airmen and help improve their quality of life.