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. North Carolina's computer system records all energy applications, including the vendor, account details and the applicant's approved amount. Payments are then issued directly to the vendor via direct deposit. For vendors who do not use direct deposit, the county mails them a check instead. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? The client/household receives an approval notice in the mail informing them the benefit amount they are eligible for and which vendor and account number the benefit payment will be applied to. 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? For the crisis program the benefit amount is based on the need to prevent the disconnection or the cost to restore services and once approved the agency contacts the utility provider to make a pledge on the account to ensure this amount it accounted for on this bill until the provider receives the payment via direct deposit or check. For the heating program, the benefit amount is a credit payment applied to the account. 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? The Energy provider agreement that providers must read and sign to receive LIHEAP payments and participate as a provider in our program, has specific legal language included in the terms and conditions that ensures providers are treating all households fair. 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.