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. If a customer's utility vendor has not entered into an agreement with the Division of Social Services or if the customer does not have an account with a utility vendor (i.e., the utilities are in the landlord's name), the benefit may be paid directly to the customer. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? Each recipient is mailed a formal notice that explains their eligibility status, benefit amount and method of payment, or denial reason if determined ineligible. 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? In addition to formalized vendor agreements, an audit is conducted each year that requires vendors to verify and certify that the benefits paid to them were, indeed, credited to the eligible household's account. At the same time, a random sample of eligible households are sent a letter describing the benefits paid and requesting verification that the benefits were accurately credited to their accounts. All discrepancies are fully investigated and resolved. 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? Formalized Vendor Agreements 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.