14 Leveraging Incentive Program ,2607A

14.1 Do you plan to submit an application for the leveraging incentive program? Yes No 14.2 Describe instructions to any third parties and/or local agencies for submitting LIHEAP leveraging resource information and retaining records. The CAAs are responsible for compiling and submitting documentation of any leveraged resources. Guidelines for retention of records is inc contract language. Program and financial records pertaining to this contract shall be retained by the agency for 3 (three) years from the date of subm final expenditure report or until all audit findings have been resolved. 14.3 For each type of resource and/or benefit to be leveraged in the upcoming year that will meet the requirements of 45 C.F.R. § 96.87(d)(2)(iii), describe the following: Resource What is the type of resource or benefit ? What is the source(s) of the resource ? How will the resource be integrated and coordinated with LIHEAP? 1 Neighbor Helping Neighbor (NHN) - Assistance with payment to prevent utility disconnections Donations contributed by customers from three utilities Liberty, Eversource, and Unitil Benefits are available to households who approach the CAA in a crisis situation with an active disconnection notice from one of the participating utilities and are not eligible for LIHEAP payment at that time (due to eligibility or funding timelines). CAAs complete application and one CAA has responsibility for eligibility determination. 2 NH Electric Cooperative Project Care - Assistance with payment on utility arrearages/ disconnections Donations contributed by members of the New Hampshire Electric Co-op Benefits are available to households who approach the CAA in crisis with an active disconnection notice from the NH Electric Co-op. CAA staff review LIHEAP eligibility and send referrals to this program, which is a condition of this program. 3 New Hampshire Electric Assistance Program - A tiered discount program for low-income households receiving electric service from one of the four major utilities in the state. LIHEAP shares an application with this state program. This program, approved by the NH Public Utilities Commission, is funded through the system benefits charge of $0.0015 per kWh on customer bills The Electric Assistance Program is a 12-month (24-month for seniors with fixed income) discount program that results in a lower, more affordable electric bill and decreases the likelihood of an interruption in the electric service necessary for the operation of the heating system. 4 Vendor discounts - Heating product (fuel) provided at a discounted price to LIHEAP households Fuel vendors In the vendor agreement, supplies agree to this: If the Supplier uses a variable pricing structure with a discount rate for prompt payment, the maximum rate charged for products/services paid for with FAP funds must be the discounted rate. 5 Utility rate-payer funded weatherization services - A funding source that is braided with federal Weatherization funding from LIHEAP and the US DOE Weatherization Assistance Program Eversource, Liberty Utilities, NH Electric Co-Op, and Unitil the four major NH utilities fund this program through the system benefit charge and the Local Distribution Adjustment Charge (LDAC) A parallel process to the LIHEAP application process, this program is administered by the LIHEAP/Weatherization staff as part of their regular operations. State Department of Energy and CAAs participate in the development and implementation of this program. 6 NH Gas Assistance Program - A discount program for low- income households that utilize natural gas heat This program, approved by the NH Public Utilities Commission, is funded through utility rates LIHEAP households enrolled with natural gas as their primary heating source are eligible for and auto enrolled in the Gas Assistance Program, which provides a 45% discount on natural gas bills between November 1 and April 30. Enrollment and application of the discount is retroactive to Nov 1 regardless of when the LIHEAP benefit is awarded. Senior Energy Assistance Services NH DOE has an MOU with the NH DHHS to administer 7 The SEAS program provides funds paid to energy providers to assist households with elderly members who do not qualify for LIHEAP. (SEAS) - Energy assistance program for elderly households ineligible for LIHEAP this program, with funding provided by the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services 8 Private Donations - Funding for heating crisis for those ineligible for LIHEAP or who need crisis assistance beyond their benefit The CAAs that administer LIHEAP work with community non-profits, faith-based groups, businesses, and individuals to seek donations. The CAAs utilize these funds to assist with filling unmet needs for crisis heating. 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.