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. Most payments are made directly to home energy suppliers through Energy Supplier Agreements. However, in special circumstances where a landlord or supplier will not accept the benefit payment, payments are made directly to customers. Direct payments to customers may also occur if a landlord refuses to sign a Landlord Agreement or an energy supplier refuses to sign an Energy Supplier Agreement, and no alternative supplier is available. Additionally, direct payments can be used for purchasing unusual fuel types, such as wood pellets and corn. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? Maryland sends a benefit letter to the applicant's mailing address unless they opt in to receiving electronic communication. Applicants can also check their benefit notice through https://myohepstatus.benefits.maryland.gov 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? Maryland requires all vendors to send the State OHEP office an Energy Delivery Record for reconciliation at the end of each fiscal year. 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? All vendor agreements that are executed with energy suppliers in Maryland include non-discrimination language. 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. Maryland requires that unregulated vendors provide a 3% discount off their cash price for the fuel delivered to program participants as part of their LIHEAP benefit. 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.