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 the vendor refuses to sign a vendor agreement, the LAA will attempt to find an alternative participating vendor for the household and document these efforts by checking with neighboring LAAs or a list of available propane vendors from the Illinois Propane Gas Association. If this is impossible or no alternate vendor is available, the energy assistance benefit will be paid to the household and the vendor in the form of a two-party check. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? Eligible households will receive a written notification from the LAA with the amount of assistance provided on their behalf to a home energy vendor within 30 days from the customer's application complete date. 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? Prior to the receipt of funds under the Plan, home energy vendors will be required to sign a written vendor agreement that will guarantee Assurance 2 through 5. The Department will attempt to periodically monitor vendor agreements. In the Weatherization component, no payments are made to energy vendors. 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? Prior to the receipt of funds under the Plan, home energy vendors will be required to sign a written vendor agreement that will guarantee Assurance 2 through 5. The Department will attempt to periodically monitor vendor agreements. In the Weatherization component, no payments are made to energy vendors. 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.