Page 93

91

The client must contact their LSP for the credit within ninety (90) calendar days of closure of the account and complete a Form ADDR-2026 – EAP Address Change Form. This form will document the new address and utility information, including new vendors and account numbers. The LSP may gather this information over the phone from the client, noting that on the completed form. The LSP must then complete the transfer request form, see Form EBTR-2026 – Energy Benefit Transfer Request Form. The LSP must upload the form into the statewide database and send it to IHCDA. The LSP must inform the utility vendor that the client has made the request and that the remaining benefit must be sent back to IHCDA. The LSP must verify with the vendor what the remaining benefit amount is, when it was or will be sent, and the check number (when possible) that the benefit amount was returned to IHCDA. This information is needed to ensure a smooth and quick transition of funds to the client. The benefit amount will not be transferred until IHCDA has the check number. This utility vendor must issue IHCDA a refund check within sixty (60) calendar days of the benefit transfer request with the client’s name, last known address, and initial transmittal number. If the client does not initiate the EBTR process within ninety (90) calendar days of the closure of the account, the refund will be reinvested into IHCDA’s EAP and used to fund additional benefits for other clients. 12.8 Closed Accounts If a household moves out of the service area of their utility company, or leaves an open account with a balance due, the EAP benefit may be applied to the balance before any credit is returned to the IHCDA. However, IHCDA cannot pay on a closed or disconnected account. If the client receives a benefit after the account has been closed, then the money can’t be applied to the closed account. For example, if the account was closed on January 31st and the EAP benefit was transmitted on February 8th, then the utility company could not apply the money to the account. However, if there was a transmittal sent February 8th and the client closed the account on February 15th, then the benefit could be applied. 12.9 Final Bills Because the purpose of EAP is to provide continuing service, EAP cannot pay benefits on a utility account that indicates that it is a final bill and is scheduled to be closed. If the household is eligible for EAP, the LSP may make that determination and release the benefit when the household brings in proof of their new account. Alternately, an LSP may release the benefit to the existing account if the utility vendor confirms that the account is no longer scheduled to be closed and service will continue.