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ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Section Three: Payment Types Intake, Operations & Policy Manual

Program Year 2026 63 comment in both the email request and in the payment comment box in OPUS. This includes heating and cooling systems, or other equipment necessary to alleviate crises or to resolve a health and safety risk. Wherever possible, LIHEAP agencies should partner with the Weatherization provider in their area to audit and inspect installation, repair/replacement work and considerable effort should be made to supplement LIHEAP funds with other leveraged resources. Please note that LIHEAP is not to be used for efficiency upgrades or for other appliances such as water heaters. Please note: This payment type may never be made as a direct pay. • Portable/Window Air Conditioning Units: The purchase of portable/window air conditioning units with LIHEAP is allowable. Purchase of portable/window AC units is intended only for those without existing cooling equipment in the household and is limited to one unit per every three program years (unless extenuating circumstances are demonstrated to warrant replacement/more frequent access). Please note: this payment type may never be made as a direct pay. A portable unit is generally defined as a self-contained, portable system ideal for cooling a targeted area of a home. Typically, portable units sit on the floor inside the home, have an exhaust tube that sits in the window and plug into a traditional electrical outlet (example below). A window air conditioning unit is generally defined as a self-contained semi- portable unit ideal for cooling a targeted area of a home. These units sit inside the window and plug into a traditional electrical outlet (example below). To be deemed a portable/window unit, the item should not require fixed installation, hard wiring, duct work, additional electrical etc. If these more detailed items are required, traditional rules for heating/cooling equipment repair/replacement as outlined above, must be followed.