HUD HCV Guidebook § 3.1.1
Average Consumption Data (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
The consumption figures must 19 be adjusted for the size of the dwelling unit. The allowances for units in the PHA’s locality may need to be adjusted to reflect the higher or lower cost of utilities resulting from variations in typical outdoor temperatures and/or the temperature of the local water supply. The average number of heating or cooling degree days for the locality (the sum of the number of days that the indoor temperature must be raised/lowered from the outdoor temperature level to maintain a comfortable temperature on each day for which heating or cooling is required) is generally available from the National Weather Service or other local sources. Data on the average local “degree days” may provide a basis for making local adjustments to these average consumption figures. 16 24 CFR § 982.517(c)(1) 17 24 CFR § 982.517(c)(2) 18 24 CFR § 982.517(b) 19 24 CFR § 982.517(b)(3)
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 3.1.1, utility allowances used in the Housing Choice Voucher program must be calibrated to reflect the actual size of each dwelling unit and the local climate conditions. Because outdoor temperatures and local water supply temperatures vary by region, a one-size-fits-all national figure would not accurately represent what tenants actually spend on utilities. Heating and cooling degree-day data, typically available from the National Weather Service, serves as a recognized tool for making these locality-specific adjustments.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and property owners participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program should be aware that, under § 3.1.1, utility allowances are not static national figures — they must be sized to the dwelling unit and adjusted for local climate variables. Operators generally document the unit sizes in their portfolio and track regional degree-day data from sources such as the National Weather Service to support accurate allowance calculations. Maintaining current, locality-specific consumption data helps ensure that utility allowances reflect real-world costs and remain compliant with the underlying regulatory framework at 24 CFR § 982.517.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 3.1.1, tenants in the Housing Choice Voucher program have an interest in ensuring that their utility allowance reflects both the size of their unit and the climate conditions in their area. If a utility allowance appears to underestimate actual costs given local temperatures or unit size, tenants can raise this concern with their local PHA, which is responsible for setting and adjusting these figures. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with voucher programs can help explain how degree-day data and unit-size adjustments factor into the allowance-setting process under 24 CFR § 982.517.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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