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EAP Policy Manual FFY24 Chapter 7 Assurance 16 Page 10 Proactive and Responsive activities is that the households participating in the Proactive program: • Are limited in number and were selected for participation (often using specific criteria). • Participate in the program over a period of time, with follow up and evaluation. • Receive services that are integrated and intentionally planned with the goal of achieving a long-term, sustainable change in one or more aspects of a household’s situation. Service Providers are encouraged to try new approaches, think creatively, and potentially “pilot test” activities on a small scale first, then expand. The activities should be conducted with a group of intentionally selected households, based on characteristics chosen in order to maximize the likely impact of the activity. They should be conducted over a period of time, and not merely in response to an immediate need. They should aim to transform, or change, some aspect (or many aspects) of a household’s situation in a sustainable way. They should also attempt to include clearly identifiable (and possibly measurable) goals and objectives. To ensure compliance with the LIHEAP Statute and EAP policy, Service Providers must submit a plan explaining the following: • What activities are planned and the timeline for completing them. • How the activities will help reduce household energy need and enable energy security. • How many households will participate and how they will be selected (selected households must be LIHEAP eligible). • The basis for any household selection criteria. • How the effect or impact of the activities will be measured or determined. • A breakdown of the activity budget. Plans must be approved by Commerce prior to implementing any associated activities, and may be submitted at any time from the date the plan form is released via The Energizer until February 1, 2023 (expenditures may not be incurred prior to October 1, 2022, or the date the proposal is approved, whichever is later). Any Proactive ESS funds not allocated for an approved plan by February 15, 2023, may be re-allocated to be used for statewide Primary Heat, Crisis and ERR benefits. Note the Service Provider’s annual A16 funds allocation will provide the basis for funding the proposed activities (i.e., no additional A16 funds will be provided at this time). Reasonable costs for planning necessary to implement Proactive ESS activities may be funded with a Service Provider’s allocated Proactive ESS funds if included as part of an approved plan (see the Ineligible Costs section below for guidance on the type of planning that may be funded with A16). Plans must, at minimum, include the information required on Proactive Energy Self-Sufficiency Plan, but may also include additional supporting information or documentation. Proposals may be incorporated into the Service Provider’s Local Plan, or may be submitted as an attachment sent to eap.mail@state.mn.us.