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. Generally, payment is issued directly to the vendor for fuel costs incurred during a client's eligibility period. If, however, the fuel costs have full by the client, payment may be issued to the client. Renters whose heating costs are included as an undesignated portion of their rent payment will receive LIHEAP payments directly. In unusual circumstance, third party payments may be issued (Ex: landlord who refuses to have the tenant's name on the vendor's account). See Section K (Supplier Agreements) of the ND State Plan attachments document. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? A notice detailing specific payments to be made is sent to the household (and supplier when appropriate) whenever miscellaneous, emergenc premium payments are entered into the eligibility system by Human Service Zone or state office workers. Human Service Zone eligibility workers have 45 days to process an application. Upon entry of the households’ information into the eligibilit notice is sent to the household informing them of benefit details. See Section L (4) of the ND State Plan attachments document. 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? The fuel supplier will be required to sign a standard agreement statement that is included on the Heating Assistance billing form. Suppliers w electronic tape in lieu of the Heating Assistance billing form will sign a similar agreement (See attached Vendor Participation Agreement). The standard agreement (on the Heating Assistance billing form) will commit the fuel supplier: a. To charge the eligible household, in a normal billing process, the difference between the actual cost of the home energy and the amount of be made by the State. (The household's co-payment) b. To give assurance that no household receiving assistance under this program will be treated adversely because of such assistance under ap provisions of State Law or public regulatory requirements. c. Not to discriminate, either in the cost of the goods supplied or the services provided, against the eligible household on whose behalf paym d. To cooperate in reviews or audits of LIHEAP payments, and to refund to the State any over-payments. Violations of the agreements due to suspected fraud or other criminal action will be referred to the Human Service Zone attorney for action. agreement violations may be cause to suspend the supplier from participating in LIHEAP or the program director may prescribe other appropriate ac At the end of the regular heating season, all LIHEAP households receive a payment notice showing all payments made on behalf of the hous heating season. The notice instructs the client to review the payments and contact the Customer Support Center or Human Service Zone with any di questions. The notice provides a level of program integrity by allowing client to review/verify what has been paid on their behalf. See Section K (Supplier Agreements) of the ND State Plan Attachments Document. 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? Per agreement signed with vendor (See Section K of the ND State Plan Attachments Document). Households eligible for heating assistance and/or emergency assistance will receive an electronically produced "notice of action" at the time eligibility and benefits have been determined. This form will include co-payment percentages and duration of benefits, right to appeal, and all other explanations. It also conveys their right to file a written complaint if they believe they have been discriminated against because of race, color, religio origin, age, gender, disability or status with respect to marriage or public assistance. 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. Payments that are contingent on vendor actions are typically reserved for emergency assistance. Good faith efforts of the household, and ene appropriate, to avoid or resolve crisis should be apparent. A budget payment plan or other formalized Action Plan to avoid future crises may be requ condition of emergency payments. The energy supplier's collection efforts and cooperation in extending credit and offering a reasonable payment plan is considered when a hou requests emergency assistance. 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.