14 Leveraging Incentive Program ,2607A

14.1 Do you plan to submit an application for the leveraging incentive program? Yes No 14.2 Describe instructions to any third parties and/or local agencies for submitting LIHEAP leveraging resource information and retaining records. Separate instructions/leveraging survey forms are attached for: • EAP Service Providers/Non-profit agencies • Delivered fuel vendors • Connected utility vendors The Minnesota Department of Commerce and the local administering agencies acquire non-federal leveraged resources for Minnesota EAP. These leveraged resources are administered by the State or the local administering agencies or in collaboration and cooperation with the local administering agency and made available to federally qualified low-income households under 2605(b)(2). 14.3 For each type of resource and/or benefit to be leveraged in the upcoming year that will meet the requirements of 45 C.F.R. § 96.87(d)(2)(iii), describe the following: Resource What is the type of resource or benefit ? What is the source(s) of the resource ? How will the resource be integrated and coordinated with LIHEAP? 1 Contributions to the State or local administering agencies Sources of the contributions include State or local governments, foundations, individuals, businesses, and other entities. The resource will be used to provide assistance to supplement LIHEAP payments, in accordance with federal program requirements. 2 ECO Funds used to assist low-income EAP households. Contributions and monies received under Minnesota Statutes 216B.241, "PUBLIC UTILITIES; ENERGY CONSERVATION AND OPTIMIZATION" E. The purchase of blankets, space heating devices and space cooling devices and equipment (including stoves and refrigerators) which meet 216B.241. F. The purchase, delivery and installation of electrical conservation materials to households where electricity is required to help meet the household's home heating needs. 3 Monies expended by local governments, foundations, individuals, businesses or other entities that assist the energy assistance program, including primary heat, crisis, weatherization and energy related repair assistance. Minnesota social services agencies have informally agreed on a protocol for providing low-income home energy assistance, beginning with federal funds, then state and local government funds. Community resources may be spent after federal funds or after state and local government funds, depending upon the purposes of the resources. The agreement also provides for coordination and collaboration of funding and advocacy efforts to assist households to meet home energy needs. These monies assist low-income households to meet the costs of home energy in accordance with federal program requirements and Funds are integrated into the energy assistance program through coordination activities to assist low-income EAP households. Energy vendors and community groups operate fuel funds that integrate with the energy assistance program through coordination of eligibility determination and grant award determination. The energy assistance program maintains strong communications ties with 4 Local delivery agencies contract with energy vendors to administer vendor sponsored fuel funds. These funds use energy assistance eligibility criteria and supplement Energy assistance funding. The energy assistance program maintains strong communications ties with these fuel funds, which coordinate their activities with the energy assistance program these fuel funds, which piggy-back their activities on the energy assistance program. 5 The State of Minnesota, local administering agencies and will collaborate to ensure integration with the energy assistance program. Heat Share is a private fuel fund that receives voluntary contributions collected from energy vendor customers and stockholders. Item A. Negotiated price discount for an agreed-upon number of gallons of heating fuel. The heating fuel will be available to EAP households at the discounted price. Item E. The purchase of blankets, space heating devices and space cooling devices and equipment (including stoves and refrigerators) which meet MN Stat. 216C. 19 Energy Conservation. The Salvation Army Heat Share Program Heat Share and the local administering agencies coordinate services though eligibility determination, referral networks, and joint training meetings. Heat Share accepts EAP eligibility as proof of income eligibility and accepts EAP certified income as verified household income. The State of Minnesota and the Salvation Army cooperate on many levels including reciprocal membership in advisory boards. 6 The purchase, delivery and installation of electrical conservation materials to households where electricity is required to help meet the household's home heating needs. The reduction in home energy bills obtained when a household participates in a utility or energy supplier's Special Rate or Practices Plan. These include programs designed to reduce the cost of home energy needs of the household and minimize the risk of an energy crisis. Special rate programs may include but are not limited to: discount rate, off-peak, time of day or dual heating plans. Energy Vendors Discounts or reductions in bulk fuel prices. Contracts at the local level with oil or liquid propane vendors will guarantee If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.