Boca Raton, FL — Walker Blue, LLC announced today that it has been selected by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation as an approved provider authorized to perform Energy Consumption Model Utility Allowance Estimates for affordable housing properties across Florida.
Walker Blue was selected through Florida Housing’s formal Request for Qualifications process, a competitive statewide review that occurs once every three years. Only a limited number of firms are approved to participate in this provider pool, which is used by owners of Florida Housing monitored properties when preparing utility allowance estimates under Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code.
While Walker Blue has a long-standing history of performing utility allowance studies nationwide, this selection formally recognizes the firm as an approved provider for developments regulated by Florida Housing. Under this designation, Walker Blue may contract directly with property owners to prepare Energy Consumption Model–based utility allowance estimates, which must be completed by licensed engineers or qualified professionals and approved by Florida Housing prior to implementation.
“These studies play a critical role in affordable housing compliance and underwriting,” said David Diaz, Chief Strategy Officer of Walker Blue. “Being selected through Florida Housing’s RFQ process reinforces our technical capabilities, our experience in affordable housing, and our commitment to producing defensible, regulator-ready analyses.”
Energy Consumption Model utility allowance estimates account for building design, mechanical systems, unit characteristics, and local utility rates, providing a more accurate reflection of tenant-paid utilities compared to standard schedules. Florida Housing requires these estimates to be prepared by providers selected through its RFQ process and reviewed annually for accuracy and updates. Utilizing the ECM approach to extract more rental income via lower utility cost is a quick and effective way to recapture funds that can better serve PHA’s needs for rehab, improvements and investability.
Walker Blue’s contract with Florida Housing is effective beginning January 1, 2026, and runs through December 31, 2028, with the option for renewal subject to performance. During this term, Walker Blue will support affordable housing owners statewide with initial utility allowance modeling, annual updates, and documentation required for Florida Housing approval.
About Walker Blue
Walker Blue is an energy engineering and advisory firm specializing in utility allowance studies, energy modeling, and compliance-driven analyses for affordable and multifamily housing. The firm works with housing authorities, developers, owners, and asset managers to support regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and long-term portfolio planning.
For more information about Walker Blue’s utility allowance services, contact DDiaz@walker-blue.com.
