9 Energy Suppliers,, 2605(b)(7) - Assurance 7

9.1 Do you make payments directly to home energy suppliers? Heating Yes No Cooling Yes No Crisis Yes No Are there exceptions? Yes No If yes, Describe. Direct payments are made to the following applicants: renters whose heating expense is included in their rental payment, applicants who primarily heat with self-harvested or purchased wood/pellets, applicants whose vendors will not accept payment because the vendor account is not listed under the primary LIHEAP applicant or their spouse, and applicants whose LIHEAP benefit is insufficient to prevent or reinstate heating fuel or electric service. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? A Notice of Award letter is mailed to the client. The letter outlines how benefits were calculated, the amount of the total award, and how the award was distributed between the client’s heating fuel and electric vendor(s). 9.3 How do you assure that the home energy supplier will charge the eligible household, in the normal billing process, the difference between the actual cost of the home energy and the amount of the payment? To ensure that the home energy supplier charges the eligible household, through the normal billing process, only the difference between the actual cost of the home energy and the amount of the LIHEAP payment, the state requires all participating vendors to sign a vendor agreement. This agreement includes a provision requiring vendors to apply the LIHEAP benefit directly to the customer’s account and to bill the household only for the remaining balance due, in accordance with their normal billing practices. In addition, vendors are required to provide verification to the state that LIHEAP payments have been received and properly credited to the household’s account. This verification process helps ensure accurate application of funds and safeguards against improper billing practices, supporting the integrity of the program and protecting the interests of eligible households. 9.4 How do you assure that no household receiving assistance under this title will be treated adversely because of their receipt of LIHEAP assistance? To ensure that no household receiving assistance under this title is treated adversely because of their receipt of LIHEAP assistance, the state requires all energy vendors participating in the program to sign a vendor agreement. This agreement explicitly includes a provision prohibiting any adverse treatment of clients based on their participation in LIHEAP. Additionally, the state actively monitors compliance with this assurance by investigating any reports received from clients alleging discriminatory or adverse treatment related to their receipt of LIHEAP benefits. Appropriate corrective action is taken as necessary to resolve any verified issues and maintain program integrity. 9.5. Do you make payments contingent on unregulated vendors taking appropriate measures to alleviate the energy burdens of eligible households? Yes No If so, describe the measures unregulated vendors may take. Attach a copy of the template statewide vendor agreement or a policy that indicates local agreements must adhere to statewide policies and assurances. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.