Pursuant to 14 DCMR Section 5311, the allowances are based on actual rates and average consumption estimates, not on a family's energy consumption.
The utility allowance is applied as follows:
When the family's TTP minus the utility allowance plus any amount of gross rent above the payment standard exceeds the minimum rent of $75, the utility allowance is given as a reduction in TTP.
If, when the utility allowance is subtracted from the family's TTP, the family rent to owner is less than the minimum rent of $75, the family is required to pay the minimum rent of $75, and the utility allowance shall be partially provided to the family through the use of a utility debit card. The amount of the deposit on the utility reimbursement debit card shall be the total utility allowance minus the difference between the TTP and the minimum rent of $75.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14, r. 14-9106