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Chapter 24 – Home Energy Assistance Program Page 24 of 33

c. A Dwelling Unit that was previously weatherized may be reopened if the reopening occurs within six (6) months of completion of the original weatherization service and reopening is required because the previous services are the proximate cause of an immediate threat to the health and safety of the occupants or the quality of the weatherization material or installation is deficient as determined by MaineHousing.

B. HEAP Weatherization Uses:

1. HEAP Weatherization allowable uses include: Weatherization needs assessments/audits; air sealing and insulation, storm windows, Heating System modifications/repairs/replacements, Heating System cleaning, tuning and evaluating, LED lighting, energy related roof repairs, major appliance repairs/replacements, including water heaters, up to two appliances, with one being a water heater, incidental repairs, health and safety measures, replacement windows and doors after all reasonable repair options are considered.

C. Subgrantee Responsibilities.

1. Subgrantees must conduct a public bid process to secure weatherization contractors at least annually as prescribed by MaineHousing. 10. Administration of the Programs.

A. MaineHousing’s Responsibilities.

1. MaineHousing will prepare and submit to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services an annual State Plan for HEAP in conformity with the provisions of the HEAP Act after conducting a public hearing for the purpose of taking comments. 2. MaineHousing will maintain this Rule, the HEAP Guide and any other guidance and documents that relate to the administration of the Programs. 3. MaineHousing will contract with Subgrantees and other entities to administer the Programs and may, at its discretion, make payments to Eligible Households or Vendors or provide Supplemental Benefits to the extent available. MaineHousing will assign at least one Subgrantee to each Service Area to administer the Programs and will select Subgrantees annually based on applications received by June 1st outlining the Subgrantee’s: experience in administering the Programs or similar programs; capacity; availability of other qualified entities within a Service Area; cost efficiency; ability to enhance accessibility to the Programs; schedule for taking Applications; and ability to perform outreach and serve homebound Primary Applicants. 4. MaineHousing will determine the annual allocation of HEAP funds to each Subgrantee, not including any amount allocated to MaineHousing to pay Benefits. 5. MaineHousing will conduct program and fiscal monitoring of Subgrantees and Vendors to ensure compliance with all rules, regulations and laws applicable to this Rule.

B. Subgrantee, Vendor and Contractor Responsibilities.

1. Subgrantees, Vendors and Contractors are responsible for the following: