Clarification Regarding HUD Utility Model
Alternate method to calculate utility allowance
The utility allowance can be determined for the project based current resident utility cost at comparable
projects and units. If this method is used, please provide documentation that supports your calculation.
Use of CARE tariffs
If the eligibility criteria for the unit meets the eligibility criteria for the CARE program, the tariffs for the
CARE program should be used for those units that qualify.
Energy Star
In order to consider the unit to qualify as ENERGY STAR, the developer will have to get the property
certified by ENERGY STAR. See website: http://www.energystar.gov/
Using PG&E data for the HUD utility Model
1. Find the PG&E tariffs on the following webpage:
http://www.pge.com/tariffs/ERS.SHTML#ERS
2. The rate schedules for gas and electric are separate. Both gas and electric schedules have a variety
of rate options. Choose the schedule that would apply to the project. Basic rate schedule is below
but you should review all the schedules to see if any apply. For example, extremely low-income
tenants may be eligible for the CARE tariffs, you should run the model using those tariffs for those
untis. If you use any other schedule besides the basic schedule, you should be able to justify.
http://www.pge.com/tariffs/tm2/pdf/ELEC_SCHEDS_E-1.pdf
http://www.pge.com/tariffs/tm2/pdf/GAS_SCHEDS_G-1.pdf
From these schedules, you can obtain the rates and the baseline quantities per day. The rates are
adjusted by percentage of baseline versus a specific block of usage as utilized in the model. You have to
calculate the block of usage.
3. To determine the usage blocks, you have to identify your baseline territory. This information can be
found in the respective preliminary statements for gas and electric. Oakland appears to be in
territory (T)
DESCRIPTION OF BASELINE TERRITORIES CITED IN b. ABOVE:
1) ALAMEDA COUNTY (S and T portions)
(S) The Central Valley portion east of Altamont Pass.
(T) That westerly part of Alameda County bounded on the west and north by the
Alameda County line where it is contiguous with the City and County of
San Francisco and Contra Costa Clounty, on the east by the westerly boundaries
of Contra Costa County, Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park and
Anthony Chabot Regional Park, and on the south by southerly boundary of the City of Oakland.
http://www.pge.com/tariffs/tm2/pdf/ELEC_PRELIM_A.pdf
http://www.pge.com/tariffs/tm2/pdf/GAS_PRELIM_A.pdf
The baseline figure is multiplied by 30 days and then the percentage of baseline to determine the block.
4. Add the tariff associated with the particular block.
5. There is a rate for energy commission tax.
http://www.pge.com/tariffs/tm2/pdf/ELEC_PRELIM_K.pdf
6. There is a rate for PPPS surcharge.
http://www.pge.com/tariffs/tm2/pdf/GAS_SCHEDS_G-PPPS.pdf
7. Oakland’s Utility User tax is 7.5%