Air Force · Fairbanks, Alaska

Eielson Air Force Base
Utility Setup Guide 2026

Set up electricity, gas, water, and internet before your PCS arrival in Fairbanks, Alaska. Utility costs here are above average vs. the national average.

125
Utility Cost Index
Above avg
$281
Est. Monthly Utilities
2BR avg
Temperate
Climate Type
—° summer high
$2,145
BAH (E-5 w/dep)
Covers avg rent
⚡ Utility Providers
Electricity
Golden Valley Electric / Chugach Electric
Natural Gas
ENSTAR Natural Gas
Water & Sewer
Managed by municipality of Anchorage
Contact Fairbanks City Hall or your landlord for water account setup
Heating costs are significantly higher in AK — budget appropriately. Many on-post homes use natural gas.
📞 Key Contacts
Golden Valley Electric / Chugach Electric
ENSTAR Natural Gas
Eielson Air Force Base Housing Office
📶 Internet Providers with Military Discounts
  • Comcast/Xfinity: Military discount + free installation (xfinity.com/military)
  • AT&T: Active duty discount plans (att.com/military)
  • Spectrum: No contracts for military families
  • Starlink: Available in rural areas near some installations
  • On-base: Check if your housing includes WiFi
🔌 Step-by-Step Utility Setup
1

Confirm on-base vs. off-base housing

On-base privatized housing typically bundles utilities in your BAH payment. Confirm with the housing office before setting up accounts — you may not need to.

2

Set up electricity 2 weeks before arrival

Call Golden Valley Electric / Chugach Electric at (907) 452-1151. Request service start 1–2 days before your move-in date. You'll need your new address and may need to pay a deposit (show military ID to reduce or waive).

3

Set up natural gas (if applicable)

Contact ENSTAR Natural Gas at (907) 334-7767. Gas is often needed for heating, water heating, and ranges. Set up on the same call as electricity.

4

Set up water/sewer through the city

Managed by municipality of Anchorage. Call the Fairbanks city hall or your property manager. Many require a deposit; military ID can help waive or reduce it.

5

Order internet 2–3 weeks in advance

Internet installation slots book fast. Order 2–3 weeks ahead. Ask for military discount and confirm the installation date. Consider Starlink as a backup if local providers are delayed.

6

Update all utility addresses for BAH records

Ensure your utilities match your address in DEERS/myPay. Mismatches can affect BAH calculations.

✅ PCS Utility Checklist
Confirm if on-base housing includes utilities
Call electric company 2 weeks before move-in
Schedule gas service start date
Set up water/sewer with city or landlord
Order internet 2–3 weeks ahead
Request military deposit waiver at utilities
Transfer renter's/homeowner's insurance
Set up trash/recycling collection
Update DEERS address after arrival
Check if BAH includes utility allowance
Set utility accounts to autopay
Keep utility bills for tax records

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Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides electricity near Eielson Air Force Base?
Golden Valley Electric / Chugach Electric is the primary electricity provider. Call (907) 452-1151 or visit https://www.gvea.com.
Are utilities included in on-base housing at Eielson Air Force Base?
Most privatized on-base housing bundles utilities into your BAH payment. Confirm with the housing office at check-in. Off-base residents set up utilities independently.
How much should I budget for utilities in Fairbanks?
Utilities here are above average (index 125 vs. 100 national average). Budget ~$248–$363/month for a 2-bedroom home.

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