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. DHHS issues the majority of LIHEAP payments directly to providers. However, some exceptions to paying the provider are identified below: • Providers that do not cooperate with DHHS in accepting payments; • Households whose utilities are included in rent but still meet economic vulnerability; and, Financial assistance for window air conditioners, furnace (heating system) repair or replacement, and central air conditioner (cooling system) repair or replacement. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? A notice is generated by the NFOCUS eligibility system and sent to the household (see attached client notice of action) within one day of benefit determination. The household can also view the notice electronically by creating a 'My Account' on the State ACCESSNebraska website. Additionally, an explanation of payment is sent to the provider that will receive the payment to ensure payments are made to the correct account. 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? Provider agreements are signed by all providers that receive direct payments from DHHS, which require that the provider applies payment amounts appropriately. See the attached provider agreement. DHHS is working on a revised LIHEAP Provider Agreement for home energy suppliers throughout Nebraska. The goal is to implement this agreement in the federal fiscal year 2026. DHHS is also developing a guidance document for partnering utility providers. 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? A provider agreement is executed to assure LIHEAP households are treated in the same manner as private pay customers and to assure the partnering utility providers will comply with state statutes for termination of utility services. LIHEAP staff follow up on any complaints of adverse treatment by utility providers when reported. Reviews of LIHEAP payments issued to partnering utility providers are completed weekly. DHHS is working on a revised LIHEAP Provider Agreement for partnering home energy utility providers. 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. Unregulated vendors also sign the aforementioned provider agreement. 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.