Page 26

22 7. Vendors

LIHEAP payments may only be made to the entities described below.

7.1 Utility Companies, Cooperatives, Municipalities, and Propane Vendors LIHEAP payments for both Regular and Crisis Assistance may only be made to utility companies, cooperatives, municipalities, and propane vendors on the State-approved vendor list. Each vendor who wishes to receive a payment under LIHEAP must complete the LIHEAP-108 Form, Home Energy Supplier Agreement, (Appendix E) and agree to abide by its terms.

The Home Energy Supplier Agreement is required by Federal regulations to ensure that payments are properly applied by the vendors and that households are protected against the loss of service for at least a 30-day period.

The State Office obtains signed copies of the agreement from vendors and provides a copy of the approved vendor list to local agencies at the beginning of each program year. In addition, the State Office enters all approved vendors into FACSPro. If a vendor contacts a local agency expressing interest in becoming a LIHEAP home energy supplier, contact the State Office or provide the vendor with a copy of the agreement. The signed copy should be returned to the State Office.

Failure of a vendor to comply with the terms of the Home Energy Supplier Agreement could lead to a suspension of payment to that vendor. Report any suspected violations to the local agency director for coordination with the State Office.

7.2 Public Housing Authority LIHEAP payments for both Regular and Crisis Assistance may be made to a Public Housing Authority responsible for collecting utility costs from their tenants. Public Housing Authorities are not required to sign the Home Energy Supplier Agreement and are entered into FACSPro by the State Office.

7.3 Businesses LIHEAP payments for Crisis Assistance may be made to a local business such as Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc., for the purchase of window air conditioning units, fans, and blankets. These types of vendors are not required to sign the Home Energy Supplier Agreement. Contact the State Office if a particular business needs to be entered into FACSPro as a vendor.

7.4 Non-Subsidized Eligible Renters LIHEAP payments for both Regular and Crisis Assistance may be made to applicants whose utility costs are included in their non-subsidized rent if the applicant meets all points of eligibility. The applicants are not required to sign the Home Energy Supplier Agreement. Contact the State Office to have the applicant’s name added as a vendor in FACSPro.