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EAP Policy Manual FFY24 Chapter 15 Energy Vendors Page 14 Early Notification of Payment and Emergencies Energy vendors use earlier notification by developing communication methods with the Service Provider. Using a common meaning of eHEAT payment status is an efficient means to achieve early notification because it reduces the need to manage other forms of communication and is in real-time. Energy vendors must supply EAP Service Providers with a 24 hour emergency contact number to address after hours emergencies. This requirement enables Service Providers to comply with the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. § 8623(c)) requiring EAP to provide some form of assistance within 18 hours after an eligible household in a life-threatening situation applies for crisis benefits. Often a shut-off can be averted or a reconnection initiated if the Service Provider offers “early notification of a payment.” Along with averting risk to the household, early notification can save the energy vendor the cost of a disconnection and expenses to the program for reconnection and other fees. One form of early notification is eHEAT payment status. When addressing household energy emergencies, when possible, energy vendors should accept payment authorization by using the payment status in eHEAT of ‘Payable’ or by telephone, e-mail or fax. Energy vendors must either check eHEAT regularly to ensure timely service or have alternative systems for timely service to households who are eligible for EAP services. Authorization can include service deposits, requests for emergency fills of delivered fuels, removal of load limiters and continuation or reconnection of connected utilities. Deliver remaining EAP benefit Delivered fuel energy vendors should deliver any EAP benefit remaining on the household’s account before September 30, 2023. The delivered fuel energy vendor is responsible for ensuring the EAP household still lives in the dwelling before delivering their benefit. To avoid additional costs, delivery may be made during the delivered fuel energy vendor’s regular delivery route. If unable to deliver remaining EAP benefit, the balance on the account is used for the upcoming heating season.