Military families stationed in Vicenza will have an option to make an annual payment for utility exemptions starting next year through the Utility Tax Exemption Program. (Stars and Stripes)

VICENZA, Italy — Military members and their families stationed in Vicenza will have an annual payment option for utility exemptions starting next year, a move the Tax Relief Office says can help keep power at home from being turned off accidentally.

Starting Jan. 2, 2025, customers can pay $264 per year for the Utility Tax Exemption Program. Currently, they pay the same price divided into $22 monthly payments.

Monthly payments will no longer be an option next year. Instead, customers who don’t want to make the lump payment will make larger payments of $60 every two months.

Kevin Boucher, an administrative assistant for the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program, said taking advantage of UTEP saves money and guarantees payments are made on time.

“If you go on vacation or are gone for an extended period and something happens with your bank account, or you forget to pay, you’re not going to get your electricity shut off,” he said.

He said many customers only add money to their Italian bank account when they’re ready to pay bills, but most bills are automatically deducted, so sometimes the timing is off.

With the UTEP program, the Tax Relief Office pays the Italian utility bills and the customer pays them back.

The office added electricity as a service they cover in May.

The payment changes also apply to troops stationed at Camp Darby, on Italy’s west coast near Livorno.

In other moves, the Tax Relief Office will stop operating out of Caserma Del Din starting Nov. 4. The office was open once a month but is closing because it didn’t receive enough customers. Those based at Del Din can visit the office on Caserma Ederle.

Also starting Nov. 4, all UTEP statements will be emailed and only printed on request, and the Tax Relief Office will only accept credit card payments.