At Oakcreek, homeowners pay directly for their home’s electricity use, purchase condo insurance for the interiors of their homes, and are responsible for the property taxes for their homes. Most other utilities are paid indirectly through HOA dues, currently set at $316 per month per household. Items obtained through the HOA include insurance and maintenance for the common areas and exteriors of private homes, all water usage, and all trash pickup. The HOA also contracts for bulk Internet, cable TV and landline phone service for all homes and the common house. Use of geothermal heating and cooling keeps utility costs low. Natural gas isn’t used in the private homes, and is used in the common house only for cooking and a fireplace that gets used occasionally.