Fluctuating household expenses are averaged to avoid giving undue weight to temporary
or seasonal changes. Examples of fluctuating expenses are food, electricity, or gas,
i.e., expenses that vary from one billing period to the next depending on usage.
Non-fluctuating expenses are not averaged. A non-fluctuating expense is one which
does not vary from one billing period to the next or is not dependent on usage. Examples
of non-fluctuating expenses are rent, mortgage, and budgeted utility bills.
Household operating expenses are determined by adding the average of the fluctuating
household expenses for the applicable period to the amount paid for any non-fluctuating
expenses in the month for which a determination is made.