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. Benefits are paid directly to the utility vendors unless the utility expense is included in the rent, the household heats with wood, or the state does not have a contract with a utility vendor. 9.2 How do you notify the client of the amount of assistance paid? A ‘Notice of Decision’ is mailed to each applicant notifying them of their approval or denial. Letters specify to whom the benefit will be paid: either applicant or fuel vendor(s), or combination of both, and the amount to each. The letter is generated upon the final determination of the application through the program eligibility system. 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? Only home energy suppliers who have signed an agreement with the department will be paid directly from program funds. The agreement stipulates that suppliers will charge the households in the normal billing process. 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? The vendor agreement stipulates that there will be no discrimination as to the amounts charged for home energy services and that the households will not be treated adversely because of participation in the HEAT program. Please see attached "Attachment C" 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.