7 Coordination, 2605(b)(4) - Assurance 4

7.1 Describe how you will ensure that the LIHEAP program is coordinated with other programs available to low-income households (TANF, SSI, WAP, etc.). Joint application for multiple programs (indicate programs included) All public assistance programs, WIC Intake referrals to/from other programs (indicate programs included) All public assistance programs in the counties that self-administer the program One - stop intake centers Other - Describe: The State LIHEAP office coordinates with Colorado's four regulated utilities in the delivery of percentage of income payment plans (PIPP) that provide energy assistance to low income gas and electric consumers pursuant to rules established by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. The PIPP program is offered to LIHEAP recipients that are customers of Atmos Gas, Black Hills Utilities, Colorado Natural Gas and Xcel Energy. Black Hills Utilities will offer their electric program to non-LIHEAP low income customers as well as LIHEAP customers and the gas program only to customers receiving LIHEAP. The State LIHEAP office provides LIHEAP eligibility criteria to the utilities through a secure automated transmission method for participating PIPP households upon written consent of the PIPP applicant. Utilities will calculate the "affordable" part of the bill as a prescribed percentage of the total household income as defined in the PUC ruling. The residual difference between the "affordable" portion and the annual bill will become the "non-affordable" portion. The LIHEAP benefit will be applied to the "non- affordable" portion of the bill for all the plans that are offered to LIHEAP eligible customers. Black Hills Utilities will apply the LIHEAP benefit to the "affordable" portion of the bill for those customers enrolled in their electric program because it is being offered to non-LIHEAP low-income customers. Utilities must treat any individual LIHEAP benefit amounts that are in total greater than the amount applied to the "unaffordable" portion of the utility bill by applying it first to pre-existing arrearages, and secondly, to the account of the program participant. For Black Hills Utilities electric program participants, any LIHEAP benefit amounts that are in total greater than the amount applied to the "affordable" portion of the utility bill will first be applied to the pre-existing arrearages and secondly to the account of the program participant. 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.