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ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Section Three: Payment Types Intake, Operations & Policy Manual
Program Year 2026 67 Standard Benefits and Primary Heating Source (LIHEAP Only) In cases where none of the energy assistance benefit will be directed toward the primary heating source (indicated in OPUS): The standard benefit must be based on the energy type where the majority of assistance will be applied. If splitting the payment equally, the payment must be based on the primary heat source. Examples of circumstances where this may occur: • A household’s primary heat source is oil—however, they were able to pre- purchase a full tank during the summer and need electricity to utilize heating systems. • A household is on a time payment plan with their primary heating source and need a secondary energy source paid in order to heat their home. • The account for the primary heat source is current and the secondary source is at risk of disconnection. Direct Pays Direct payments are allowable in LIHEAP only. OEAP is always paid to either Portland General Electric (PGE) or Pacific Power (PAC) on behalf of their customers. Wherever possible, energy assistance benefits should be provided directly to the utility or vendor. However, in some cases, energy assistance benefits must be paid directly to the household. Direct household payments should only be used in the following cases: 1. Payments to renters who’s heating or cooling cost are included in rent or who pay heating or cooling costs directly to their landlord. A Landlord letter, rental agreement or lease must be provided for verification. Applicants residing in subsidized housing with heating or cooling costs included in rent are not considered vulnerable to rising energy costs and are therefore generally not eligible. 2. For certain bulk fuel (e.g., oil, wood, pellets, and propane) situations and for Households who utilize home energy suppliers without a current, signed vendor agreement are eligible for Direct Payment: a) All effort must be made to pay a contracted bulk fuel vendor. This may be a vendor contract that is modified or pared down from the State Provided Template.