14 Leveraging Incentive Program ,2607A

14.1 Do you plan to submit an application for the leveraging incentive program? Yes No 14.2 Describe instructions to any third parties and/or local agencies for submitting LIHEAP leveraging resource information and retaining records. Third parties are instructed to complete the “LIHEAP Leveraging Report Resource/Benefit Description Pages” for the specified base period based on instructions provided by HHS. Records are retained for a minimum of three years. 14.3 For each type of resource and/or benefit to be leveraged in the upcoming year that will meet the requirements of 45 C.F.R. § 96.87(d)(2)(iii), describe the following: Resource What is the type of resource or benefit ? What is the source(s) of the resource ? How will the resource be integrated and coordinated with LIHEAP? 1 This program provides payments for heating and cooling assistance to eligible low-income households in addition to LIHEAP benefits. Dominion Energy (was Dominion Virginia Power) Company EnergyShare Program EAP provides technical assistance for planning/implementing the EnergyShare Program and works side-by-side with the company in the formulation of policies, procedures, etc. Intake is provided at LDSS and community action/non-profit agencies. Households are assisted only after their LIHEAP benefits have been exhausted or if they were ineligible for LIHEAP. Funding is provided through customer and company contributions. The utility company receives and disburses funds. All payments go directly to the household's energy vendor. Administrative expenses are borne by the utility company. 2 This program provides payments for heating and cooling assistance to eligible low-income households in addition to LIHEAP benefits. American Electric Power (AEP) Neighbor-To- Neighbor Program Applicants must be current AEP customers in possession of a cutoff notice, income eligible for LIHEAP, and, if approved for LIHEAP, have exhausted LIHEAP benefits. The VDSS works with AEP on development of program policies and promotion. Funds come from customer and company contributions. The utility company deposits contributions and disburses supplemental assistance to eligible LIHEAP households. 3 This program provides utility security deposits to eligible low-income households. Security Deposit Option Program (SDOP) A joint project developed by the VDSS and Dominion Energy, the Security Deposit Option Program allows individuals found eligible for payment of a security deposit through the Crisis and Cooling Assistance components to have the payment of the deposit waived by the utility company. The utility will consider the deposit paid although no dollars have been received. Over the years, additional companies have elected to participate in the SDOP. 4 This program provides Weatherization assistance to eligible low-income households in addition to LIHEAP benefits. Joint Venture with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development DHCD oversees the Weatherization Assistance Program and weatherization agencies in Virginia. The Weatherization agencies are the sole source vendor for the LIHEAP Weatherization component. The cost of services may be supplemented by other funds received by DHCD; the source of supplemental funds may be state funds allocated to DHCD. (Federal DOE funds would not be used for the cost of any of the LIHEAP services but multiple funding types could be braided together to assist a household.) Intake is provided by local weatherization agencies. The VDSS and DHCD collaborate across programs to maximize available funding for eligible households. The VDSS makes referrals to the DHCD. The VDSS provides a referral list of EAP recipients to the DHCD at the completion of each of the three EAP components. In 2002, the Virginia General Assembly established a special non-reverting fund to support the efforts of public agencies, private utility service providers, and charitable and community groups seeking to assist low-income Virginians in meeting their residential energy needs. The fund consists of donations, contributions and funds appropriated by the General Assembly. Interest earned on the money shall remain and be credited to the fund. Contributions remaining in the fund at the end of each fiscal year will be carried over into the next year. The funds will be disbursed through the operations of the HEAP. The VDSS has been designated as the lead agency in coordinating and administering all energy assistance efforts among state agencies and non- state organizations electing to participate in HEAP. In January 2004, the Virginia state income tax form provided a check-off option for contributions to HEAP. The VDSS will continue to promote 5 This program provides assistance with heating and equipment costs to eligible low-income households in addition to LIHEAP benefits. Home Energy Assistance Fund - Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) the income tax check-off box on behalf of the fund. 6 This program, if offered, would provide payments for heating and cooling assistance to eligible low-income households in addition to LIHEAP benefits. State General Funds The VDSS has occasionally received state general funds to supplement the LIHEAP funded EAP. Periodic receipt of state general funds may continue. 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.