There will be 2 sets of utilities. One will be the for the apartments, and common spaces whereas the second set will be for the business on the first floor. The reason of including the utilities for the apartments is I will be able to charge more for the rent, and HUD will cover a higher market rent if utilities are included. With that said, the tenants will just have to pay for telephone (required), and premium television (not required). I will cover all of the available utilities, and this will not consider gas.
The reason that gas is not considered is gas is a finite resource. Even if you don’t believe in climate change, you can’t argue economics. As the supply for natural gas goes down, the cost will go up. While I am sure I will be able to afford a gas bill, I don’t see the need to waste my money on paying for a resource that is not renewable. Gas is used for cooking, heating and hot water – all of which can be done with electricity. There may have been a time where gas was needed, but this time has passed, and natural gas should be used for other necessary commercial applications until electric can make those needs obsolete.
Natural gas also has a serious flaw that always existed. It is explosive. Yes, a natural gas leak can explode when a spark strikes the air with natural gas. This is very dangerous, not only to the building, but neigboring buildings, and even buildings across the street. By capping the gas line at the source, I eliminate the risk that I would pose. I can’t control my neighbors, but I can control myself, and gas is simply not needed.