9 Energy Suppliers,, 2605(b)(7) - Assurance 7

9.1 Do you make payments directly to home energy suppliers? Heating Yes No Cooling Yes No Crisis Yes No Are there exceptions? Yes No If yes, Describe. Direct Payments Households may receive direct payments under limited circumstances. First determine any Primary Heat benefits to the household’s electric or other heating energy vendors based on the household’s needs. Make direct payments to households in the following circumstances: All energy utilities, electric and heat are included in the rent. Certain situations where heat is in rent (HIR) and the household pays an electric vendor. (See Heat in Rent; Household Pays an Electric Vendor below.) A biofuel vendor or usable biofuel (e.g., seasoned wood) is not available. Biofuel payments must go to a biofuel vendor whenever possible. Service Providers must maintain knowledge of the biofuel vendors in their service area. The Service Provider must document there is no biofuel vendor or usable biofuel available. The household’s energy vendor(s) refused to sign the energy vendor agreement. The household is unable to secure an energy vendor. The household does not have an account in a household member's name. Note: Reimbursements to applicants for payments made to energy vendors are not allowed. Heat in Rent; Household Pays an Electric Vendor Primary Heat benefits are first distributed to the household’s electric vendor. eHEAT automatically calculates payments for distribution to the household’s electric vendor equal to the household’s annual electric cost or $400, whichever is greater. Any remaining amount is distributed as a direct payment to the household. If the Primary Heat benefit is less than $400, the entire benefit is distributed to the household’s electric vendor. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? Households receive a letter or email (depending on household preference) stating the amount paid to energy vendor(s) or, in some instances, the amount paid directly to the household. 9.3 How do you assure that the home energy supplier will charge the eligible household, in the normal billing process, the difference between the actual cost of the home energy and the amount of the payment? Vendors must sign and comply with a vendor agreement to be eligible to receive payments for heating assistance or crisis assistance on household's energy accounts. Vendor payments are made through a centralized payment system. Local administering agencies work closely with vendors throughout the program year and perform ongoing formal monitoring of a percentage of the vendors annually to assure that all requirements of this assurance are met. Commerce program performance auditors review the vendor monitoring activity performed by the local service provider. 9.4 How do you assure that no household receiving assistance under this title will be treated adversely because of their receipt of LIHEAP assistance? Vendors must sign and comply with a vendor agreement to be eligible to receive payments for heating assistance or crisis assistance on household's energy accounts. Vendor payments are made through a centralized payment system. Local administering agencies work closely with vendors throughout the program year and perform ongoing formal monitoring of a percentage of the vendors annually to assure that all requirements of this assurance are met. Commerce program performance auditors review the vendor monitoring activity performed by the local service provider. 9.5. Do you make payments contingent on unregulated vendors taking appropriate measures to alleviate the energy burdens of eligible households? Yes No If so, describe the measures unregulated vendors may take. Attach a copy of the template statewide vendor agreement or a policy that indicates local agreements must adhere to statewide policies and assurances. 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.