11 Timely and Meaningful Public Participation, , 2605(b)(12) - Assurance 12, 2605(c)(2)

11.1 How did you obtain input from the public in the development of your LIHEAP plan? Select all that apply. Note: Tribes do not need to hold a public hearing but must ensure participation through other means. Tribal Council meeting(s) Public Hearing(s) Draft Plan posted to website and available for comment Hard copy of plan is available for public view and comment Comments from applicants are recorded Request for comments on draft Plan is advertised Stakeholder consultation meeting(s) Comments are solicited during outreach activities Other - Describe: Public Hearings, 2605(a)(2) - For States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Only 11.2 List the date and location(s) that you held public hearing(s) on the proposed use and distribution of your LIHEAP funds? Date Event Description 1 08/21/2025 Virtual Public Hearing 11.3. How many parties commented on your plan at the hearing(s)? 0 11.4 Summarize the comments you received at the hearing(s). No attendees to public hearing. An e-mail with the Draft State Plan was sent to all vendors and customers who had an e-mail on file on August 12, 2025 asking to comment on the State Plan. Summary- The comments strongly support South Dakota’s 2026 LIHEAP model plan, commending its use of categorical eligibility, minimum/ maximum payment levels tied to regional averages, and automatic enrollment through COLA data. These measures reduce administrative burden, improve equity, and streamline access for vulnerable households. Additional recommendations include expanding outreach beyond the current limited channels. Suggested methods are text notifications, social media, email, press releases, newspaper articles, and utility bill inserts. Evidence from states such as Nebraska, Montana, and Minnesota shows that multi-channel outreach increases participation, especially in rural and underserved areas. Citing NEADA data that only 1 in 6 eligible households currently receive LIHEAP assistance, the comment emphasizes that broader, multilingual, and community-based outreach is critical for ensuring more South Dakota residents can access needed energy assistance. Finally, the comment stresses the importance of covering both gas and electric service, since electric is essential for gas furnaces to operate effectively. 11.5 What changes did you make to your LIHEAP plan as a result of public participation and solicitation of input? South Dakota is not going to make any changes. We have numerous local Department of Social Services offices located throughout the State that provide additional information and applications to low income individuals and families. Vendors also provide application and information about the program both in their offices as well as billings. 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.