Section 8 Utility Allowances

A Proven Method to Efficiently and Accurately Develop Utility Allowances for Your Agency

Our goal is to provide accurate utility allowances with minimal effort by the Housing Authority staff.

Data Collection

Assistance is given to a housing agency in gathering pertinent information needed to conduct a new utility allowance study or update current utility allowances. Examples of such items needed are:

  • Supporting documentation from previous development of utility allowances.
  • Utility Allowance Schedule(s)
  • List of Utility Providers

Data is gathered by our specialits from outside sources. Examples of such data are:

  • Current utility rates and charges for each applicable utility company.
  • Local climatic data.

Minimal information is required from the Housing Authority.

Methodology and Data Analysis

Our consumption averages approximate a reasonable consumption by an energy-conservative household of modest circumstances, as per HUD Regulations and we establish utility allowances for each dwelling unit category and unit size.

For the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program HUD's Utility Schedule Model (HUSM) is utilized to develop utility allowances by building/structure type, bedroom size and utility end uses. This satisfies the HUD regulations statement that “the PHA must use normal patterns of consumption for the ‘community as a whole’.

Results

Our Section 8 HCV Utility Allowance Schedule(s) for all applicable building types for the agency (e.g. Apartment/Walk-Up, Row House/Townhouse, Detached House, etc.) will be submitted in accordance with HUD requirements on the form prescribed by HUD (form HUD-52667). We also provide a comparison of the Agency’s currently adopted utility allowances and the proposed utility allowances from our study in an easy-to-read chart.

Reports

Utility allowance studies prepared by ResidentLife Utility Allowances® are presented in a professional report format, with tabs, which is easily reviewed and understood by Agency staff, concerned residents, and HUD engineering personnel.

Our report binder includes the following important information:

  • Objectives and methodology for conducting survey and study
  • Overall results of survey and study (utility allowance schedule and comparison)
  • Rate calculation tables for each utility
  • All support documentation

Certified Energy Efficient Utility Allowances

We will provide an Implementation Kit to guide Developers and Housing Agencies regarding the process for developing a special category of Section 8 Utility Allowances that meet the needs of energy efficient construction and has been reviewed and approved by HUD.

For More Information:

Contact: Cheryl Lord
817-922-9000 ext. 139

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