California Utility Allowance Calculator (CUAC) - User Guide

The California Utility Allowance Calculator provides an estimate of what tenants will pay for energy utilities. California Utility Allowance Calculator accounts for the energy features of the proposed building, the photovoltaic system designed for it, and the applicable utility rates or tariffs.

The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee in the State Treasurer’s Office allocates federal and state low-income housing tax credits in support of affordable housing. Applicants for tax credits and most other affordable housing programs must estimate utility costs for tenants in applications for grants, tax credits, or allocations. In 2008, the California Energy Commission worked with the affordable housing community and Tax Credit Allocation Committee to create a more accurate tool for estimating tenants’ utility costs, resulting in the California Utility Allowance Calculator. The results are used in place of local public housing authorities’ utility allowance schedules. This User Guide is to assist applicants using the tool in estimating utility costs.