Utility Allowance
A PHA is responsible for establishing and maintaining a utility allowance schedule that provides reasonable allowances for tenant-paid utilities. The utility allowance is intended to enable participating families to pay typical costs for utilities and services paid by energy-conserving households occupying units of similar size and type in the same locality.
Utility allowance schedules are updated annually. Schedules are provided to participants at voucher briefings. Active participant’s utility schedules are updated at the annual recertification. Utility allowance is based on the family voucher size.
Many utility companies also provide useful materials on energy conservation and/or energy audit services that can help participants identify conditions or practices that result in high utility bills.
