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EAP Policy Manual FFY24 Chapter 5 Crisis Page 3 There is a variation between the disconnection date rules for heat and non-heat related disconnections: • Non-heat disconnection notices: must be scheduled for disconnection within 30 days. • Heat-related disconnection notices: a date anytime in the past or future is valid. Load Limiters A household with an existing load limiter is considered shut off and a household with a pending load limiter is considered to have a pending disconnection (Minnesota Statutes §216B.096, Subd. 2 (d) and §216B.097, Subd. 4.) Throughout this chapter when energy shut off or notice of disconnection is discussed, it includes load limiters. Off-Peak or Dual Fuel Discount Programs Electric discount programs require the household to use another heating fuel type when electric heat is switched off. A dual fuel system with an off-peak electric discount program may not provide continuous heat to the dwelling when the electric heat is intermittently switched off and the other heat source is not available. Because these systems may not provide continuous heat they are not considered redundant. If a household enrolled in one of these programs has a valid energy emergency for either of these heating sources, the emergency should be addressed. Redundant Heating The term redundant heating refers to two interchangeable heating systems where either heating system can heat essentially the same space. If either heating system is currently operational the household is not in a no-heat situation and is not eligible for a Crisis benefit. This is regardless of which is the primary or secondary heating system (as defined in Chapter 4 – Primary Heat). An example of a redundant heating system is whole-house electric heat and a natural gas, oil, or propane furnace. An exception is that households with a redundant heating system are eligible for Crisis if the heating system that is out of fuel is needed to allow continuous heat to the dwelling, for example: • If the electric portion of the redundant heating system is on an off-peak discount program that interrupts electric heat to the dwelling. • If the operational heating system uses biofuel.