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. Direct payments are made to applicants whose heating and cooling costs are included in their rent. These applicants/residents are issued a one party check once found eligible to receive benefits from the program. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? Clients who are eligible for benefits and are awarded a benefit are sent in notice that provides them the amount of assistance paid on their behalf. The same notice also contains Right to Fairhearing information and instructions on how to file for a fair hearing. 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 program has a standing agreement/contract with the energy suppliers and the Board of Public Utilities who regulates the the energy suppliers, to ensure that in the normal billing process, the energy supplier only charges LIHEAP beneficiaries the difference between the actual cost of home energy and the amount of LIHEAP benefit the client is receiving. 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 agreement/contract between the program and the energy suppliers stipulates that LIHEAP beneficiaries are not treated differently or discrimated against because they are participating in and receiving LIHEAP benefits. 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.