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. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? Energy Credit: at the time the State forwards the payment to the utility company, a notice of disposition is sent to inform the household of the amount sent to the utility company on their behalf. It also advises the household to confirm the payment was applied to their account by reviewing their next utility bill.For Crisis: once the amount owed is confirmed with the utility company, a disposition notice with benefit amount is provided to the applicant and the utility company is notified of the approval and amount. 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? For all components, heating, cooling and crisis, Vendor Agreements established with five Public Utility Companies supplying residential energy in Hawaii. Utility companies use standard accounting payment processing systems for subscriber accounts, assuring payment processing systems for subscriber accounts, and assuring payments are posted against utility expenses with available balances for the following month's bill. The utility companies must also make staff available to assist H-HEAP customers with balance inquiries. Notices are sent to eligible customers informing them of their benefits amount. If the benefit amount is different from the credited amount the name and phone number of the H-HEAP community agencies are listed on the notices for inquiries 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 Agreement states that no LIHEAP household shall be treated adversely nor be discriminated against in cost of goods or services provided. 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.