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pg. 59 Participating Home Energy Supplier Contract agency staff may have to negotiate with the energy source supplier using both EA and ECIP funds in addition to negotiating with an additional supplier using ECIP funds if that source is also in crisis. The maximum ECIP benefit amounts apply in this situation. Contract agency staff negotiate with the supplier to continue or restore service for at least thirty (30) calendar days based on the EA component payment and take the following steps:  If the supplier agrees to continue-restore service for at least thirty (30) calendar days in return for the EA payment, the application will be processed for payment.  If the supplier will not agree to continue-restore service for at least thirty (30) calendar days for the EA component, the contract agency will determine if a combination of EA-ECIP funds will be enough to continue- restore service for the household. If the supplier accepts a combination of EA-ECIP funds, the contract agency will pledge the ECIP amount and process the application for payment.  If the supplier will not agree to continue-restore service for at least thirty (30) calendar days with a combination of EA-ECIP funds, the applicant must be contacted to determine if they have an alternate energy supplier. Document the alternate supplier.  In many cases where EA-ECIP funds are not sufficient to continue- restore service for at least thirty (30) calendar days, there is no possible alternate supplier. The applicant will be notified that they are responsible for paying whatever additional amount would resolve their energy crisis and any LIHEAP EA-ECIP pledges would be delayed until the applicant payment has been made.  ECIP pledge amounts must not exceed the amount of the bill, up to the maximum payment amount ($800 for winter $300 for summer). Payments will be rounded up to the nearest dollar amount.  After the initial LIHEAP payment, you may also have additional ECIP applications that you will need to negotiate and make a pledge on to have an additional energy source continued-restored. Non-Participating Home Energy Supplier-Direct Applicant Payments For non- participating home energy suppliers when the EA component of the application is approved, a direct payment will be sent to the applicant to make payment. The applicant will be responsible for making this payment and negotiating directly with their supplier to resolve their energy crisis. Contract agency staff will also explore the need for additional crisis assistance. If the need for ECIP funds is established, a contractual agreement with the supplier will be completed for acceptance of the ECIP payment. ECIP does not make direct applicant payments. Home Energy Supplier Payment Procedures The home energy supplier payment process starts with the CEL (FEABB410-01) report. The supplier's response to this report determines the next step in the process.  If the supplier accepts the pledge, the payment will be processed to the