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Chapter 9: Outreach Requirements and Activities 9.0 Federal Outreach Requirements The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, as amended, outlines specific outreach requirements under Section 2605(b)(3) and Section 2605(b)(15). These provisions require outreach activities to ensure that certain target populations are made aware of available assistance. Section 2605(b)(3), also known as Assurance Number 3, mandates that the State: Conduct outreach activities designed to assure that eligible households — particularly those with elderly, disabled individuals, or households facing high home energy burdens — are made aware of energy assistance programs under this title, as well as other related programs administered under the Community Services Block Grant or any program previously administered under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Sections 2605(b)(2) and (3) further require that LIHEAP benefits prioritize and target high-burden and vulnerable households. In Maryland, the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) ensures compliance by designing outreach strategies tailored to each jurisdiction’s needs. These efforts aim to reach elderly, disabled, and other vulnerable populations, making them aware of energy assistance options and related resources. OHEP also requires that alternate intake options — including home visits — be made available so no application is refused due to lack of access to a physical intake site. Although these outreach requirements originate with LIHEAP, they also extend to the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) administered by OHEP and its Local Administering Agencies (LAAs). 9.1 Local Agency Outreach Plans and Supplemental Funding Each year, LAAs receive dedicated funding within their administrative budgets for outreach activities. DHS administrative budgets are approved annually, while

Updated May 2025