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 household uses coal or wood as it's primary heat source or a household's heat is included in rent, a payment is issued directly to the household. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? Clients receive computer generated notices indicating dates and amounts paid to their energy supplier at the time their entire award has been expended. Clients can call the automated phone system to check available balance at any time during the heating season to receive real-time benefit amount, vendor, and remaining assistance amount. 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? Vendor agreements and a 5% sample of energy suppliers is selected for monitoring to ensure the terms of the agreement are met.If crisis, follow-up occurs with the energy supplier or client to ensure that utilities have not been disconnected or have been re-connected. 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? Vendor agreements and a 5% sample of energy suppliers is selected for monitoring to ensure the terms of the agreement are met. 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.