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. The exceptions made are limited, but there are instances where payment is made directly to the applicant household. Written approval from the grantee (NH Department of Energy) is required in these instances. Situations where this direct payment is made include: Eligible LIHEAP applicant has heat included in rent, but the landlord declines to participate in the program • Eligible LIHEAP applicant shares a fuel tank with other units/households and does not have dedicated account for this reason. • Eligible LIHEAP applicant who purchases a product from a vendor who does not participate in the program. This happens most with our households that heat with wood or wood fuel (e.g. pellets), especially when there are limited vendors in the local area. • There may be other exceptions considered with a waiver that would require the approval of the NH Department of Energy. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? Written notification of eligibility or denial must be sent to the applicant within thirty (30) days of certification. When a household is determined eligible for a benefit, the award letter is mailed to the applicant that informs the of the benefit they were eligible for as well as which vendor will receive the payment. 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? All participating vendors agree to the following language by signing the vendor agreement: "The 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 made by the State of New Hampshire or its sub-grantee." The vendor agreement is signed by both the vendor and the sub-grantee. The amount of the FAP payment and any remaining balance on the account is listed on the customer's monthly billing statement. 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? All participating vendors agree to the following language by signing the vendor agreement: "The Supplier shall not advertise in a manner that implies that LIHEAP assistance is available only through the Supplier, or that LIHEAP applications are taken by the Supplier, or in any other way that misleads the public about LIHEAP. The Supplier will assure that no households will be treated adversely because of such assistance under applicable provisions of New Hampshire law or any other regulatory requirements (U.S.C. 8624 (b)(7)(C)). The Supplier will not discriminate in either the cost of goods or services provided against any Fuel Assistance Program household on whose behalf the State of New Hampshire or its agents make payments. The Supplier also agrees to respect the confidentiality of those households participating in the Fuel Assistance Program." 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. By signing the vendor agreement, unregulated vendors agree to provide home energy to eligible households after receiving a letter from the CAA giving direct authorization of benefits. They also agree to provide home energy on an immediate basis after receiving direct authorization of the benefit by email or telephone from the CAA. All special delivery and/or reconnection charges must be pre-approved by the CAA and only after the applicant or authorized household member has requested and acknowledges the charges associated with special delivery or reconnection charges. 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.