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. If yes, Describe. The State maintains a centralized LIHEAP eligibility system whereby local agencies determine eligibility and the State proc payment, which is sent directly to vendors through an electronic transfer of funds. If the vendor is not a LEAP vendor, or when heat is included in rent, the payment the applicant household reeceives their benefit on a state is card The State processes payments directly to a client's Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card when heat is included in rent and/or the client util who has not entered into an agreement with the State. Clients can also choose an electronic fund transfer of the LIHEAP payment to their bank acco an EBT card. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? A notice is generated from the LIHEAP computer system detailing the benefit amount that is paid on behalf of the applicant househ specified utility provider. A notice is also generated with the benefit amount for those clients that will receive a direct payment on their EB heat is included in rent or they use a vendor who has not entered into agreement with the State. The county administering agencies and con responsible for mailing notices to applicant households. 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? The State has included a provision in the LIHEAP vendor agreement that requires the vendor to 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. The vendor agrees to implement this provision by signing the LIHEAP vendor agreement. 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? The vendor agrees that there will be no adverse treatment of a household due to receipt of LIHEAP assistance upon signing of the L vendor agreement. The State will terminate a vendor agreement if it is determined that a vendor has treated LIHEAP households adversel inactivate the vendor account in the LIHEAP eligibility system. 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. Unregulated utilities are required to sign a vendor agreement to serve LIHEAP households and receive payment from the State to directly ap household’s account. 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.