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EAP Policy Manual FFY24 Chapter 15 Energy Vendors Page 1 Chapter 15 Energy Vendors Energy vendor participation is essential to efficient operation of the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Energy vendors roles include providing energy cost information, applying payments, working with Service Providers and EAP households in emergency situations, conducting outreach and referring customers in need to the program. Energy vendors establish agreements with EAP Service Providers, develop communication processes and use the web-based eHEAT system to perform these functions. The rules are guided by the Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) law, the EAP Policy Manual, and related state regulations. eHEAT (Electronic Household Energy Automated Technology) is internet-based software centralizing program activity for Service Providers and energy vendors. eHEAT has information about the household's program eligibility and payments. Energy vendors use eHEAT to supply consumption information, view or download payment information, verify customer’s program participation and initiate refunds. With custom programming by the energy vendor, consumption and payment information can be uploaded and downloaded by energy vendor’s systems. Energy vendors register for eHEAT through the Service Provider or directly with the Department of Commerce. Chapter Contents • Consumption and Cost Information Requirements • Payment Requirements • Energy Assistance Benefits • Agreement, Internal Controls, Registration & Participation Requirements • Energy Vendor Monitoring & Reporting Requirements • Legal Requirements