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. Development has and will continue to engage in activities which enhance the value of basic LIHEAP assistance to eligible households. These activities are consistent with general definitions of "leveraging" as found in Section 707 of Public Law 101-501, Section 2607A. Regulations implementing the leveraging incentive program are contained in 45 CFR Part 96. Development will describe those activities for award of additional federal funds appropriated for this purpose. 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 Several regulated gas and electric utilities in Ohio raise and provide funds for eligible low- income clients. Many of these fuel funds are directly administered by the state LIHEAP office or its grant recipients, which employ a certification of eligibility by the state office and its Local Energy Assistance Providers and often require verification that the LIHEAP benefits are exhausted to qualify for assistance. Other policies, such as amount of benefit and months of availability may vary by fund. Determination of income eligibility and certification of eligibility is performed by the local Energy Assistance Provider, as already specified in Ohios state plan. Ohios private fuel funds could not operate according to their program rules without information provided and/or verified by the Ohio LIHEAP program. 2 The Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) is designed for low- income Ohioans who need assistance paying their utility bills to maintain gas and/or electric service. It can be combined with the Home Energy Assistance Program benefit to help income-eligible Ohioans manage their energy bills. PIPP is funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF). The USF is a rider on the utility bill of all clients of regulated utilities. A rider is an additional charge on a utility bill which must be approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for a specific purpose. The PUCO calculates the gas PIPP rate and audits utilities which provide gas PIPP. The Ohio Department of Development calculates the electric PIPP rate case, which determines the funding level of the USF and the electric PIPP program. The PIPP is available for Ohioans with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guideline, receiving gas or electric service from a utility regulated by the PUCO. 3 Some of the PIPP- eligible households with high consumption rates and high arrearages are identified to participate in the educational program. Each year, more than $14 million of the USF is designated for education and energy efficiency measures. The program serves about 10,000 PIPP electric households each year with in-home audits to identify energy-saving measures and provide conservation education. Replacement light bulbs, weather-stripping and in some cases new appliances are provided. This service helps HEAP implement practices to reduce their energy consumption over time. 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.