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Iowa LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual 16.00 Assurance 16

Effective 09/01/2023

Page | 50

16.00 ASSURANCE 16

LIHEAP customer services that encourage and enable households to reduce their home energy needs, and thereby reduce their need for energy assistance, shall be provided. Services may include conservation education, referrals to other programs, needs assessment, budget counseling, vendor negotiations, energy assessment, energy plans, and low-cost energy efficiency measures.

16.10 Assurance 16 Components Assurance 16 activity records should only be created when using LIHEAP funds (e.g., not when using only CSBG or only local funds). The following are examples of Assurance 16 activities. The state LIHEAP office should be consulted when questioning whether an activity is allowed to be charged to the Assurance 16 Line item of the LIHEAP Contract.

● Conservation Education o Printing and furnishing information about how to reduce energy usage (e.g., workshops, handouts, brochures, etc.) o How to obtain energy efficiency services (e.g., referrals) o One-on-one energy education

NOTE: Conservation Education materials are required to be distributed to ALL households applying for LIHEAP, including crisis applications.

● Low-Cost Energy Efficiency Measures o Examples include: plastic, heating unit filters, energy kits, etc.

● Vendor Advocacy o Helping the client effectively communicate with the vendor to maintain service, etc.

● Needs Assessment and Referral o Reviewing the client’s case record and identifying the most appropriate referrals

● Financial Counseling o Working with the client to improve financial management skills and proactively manage energy bills

● Case Management – Short Term o Developing information and materials about services available to LIHEAP clients o Developing an understanding of a client’s needs and offering counseling during LIHEAP intake

● Case Management – Long Term o Developing a curriculum and training materials for service delivery o Working with clients on energy education and/or financial counseling over an extended time period

NOTE: Staff salaries attributed to the time to take a crisis application cannot be charged to the Assurance 16 Line item of the Contract.