HUD AND HUNTSVILLE UTILITIES REACH AGREEMENT SETTLING AN ALLEGATION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PROSPECTIVE HISPANIC RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS

WASHINGTON, DC – August 9, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has reached an agreement with Huntsville Utilities in Huntsville, Alabama, settling an allegation that the utility company discriminated against prospective customers based on national origin by requiring that Hispanic applicants apply for residential utility service in person, while offering non-Hispanic applicants the option of applying in person or online. In addition, the company’s application required individuals requesting residential service to provide their Social Security number. Huntsville Utilities provides water, natural gas and electric services to approximately 170,000 households in Huntsville, Madison County and northern Marshall County, Alabama.