V8 File QA Q8: UtilityRates

Confirm that the utility rates entered in the model are appropriate for the home’s location and utility type. Rates should reflect current market values based on (e.g., ENERGY STAR default, DOE/EIA.gov, or documented utility schedule) or reflect rates provided by the utility program. Utility rates should be updated at a minimum annually.

SCORING: Satisfactory: All utility rates modeled reflect those installed in the rated home and are modeled to local market values or program-provided defaults and have been updated within the past 12 months. Modeled rate is within ±25% of a known benchmark (e.g., ENERGY STAR default, DOE/EIA.gov, or documented utility schedule). 1: For one utility rate modeled, is present but not updated within the past year, or falls outside the ±25% range without documentation. 2. One utility rate identified in QA backup is missing or entered in the wrong fuel category, or one utility rate modeled deviates by more than ±50% from standard benchmarks without justification. or For two or more utility rates modeled, is present but not updated within the past year, or falls outside the ±25% range without documentation.