Utilities

5-5 Utilities


PURPOSE

1) To provide basic utility costs.

PRINCIPLE

2) Utilities are generally considered essential to minimum living requirements.

3) Utilities whether provided by public service or not, may include sewer, water, garbage, fire dues, telephone and laundry.

POLICY

4) Utility expenses may be allowed where such expense is incurred by the applicant.

5) Utility expenses shall not be allowed where they are included in the basic cost of rented accommodation, or where they are included in the property tax of owned accommodation.

6) An allowance for Waste Watch paid on the property taxes will not be considered in the
calculation of the shelter ceiling.

7) A telephone expense may only include the cost of a single basic telephone. No allowance shall be made for long-distance charges.

8) Laundry expenses shall be calculated on the assumption that the average single
client would have approximately three loads of laundry per week at a cost of $1.50 per load at a Laundromat. Laundry allowance shall therefore be granted at a rate of $18.00 per month for a single applicant and increased by $6.00 per month for each additional person in the household.

**Note: applicants who acquire a washing machine pursuant to policy 6-10 shall not be eligible for the laundry allowance under this policy.

PROCEDURE

9) Average monthly cost of each utility is to be determined as accurately as possible, using previous consumption records. If not immediately available, such records shall be verified at the time of each review.