65-407-314 Me. Code R. § 7

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024
Section 407-314-7 - OBLIGATIONS OF TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION UTILITIES
A.Notice to Customers
1.New Customers

In its summary of rights and responsibilities provided to new customers pursuant to section 5 of Chapter 815, a transmission and distribution utility must explain to customers how they may become eligible and apply for credit for the use of an oxygen pump or ventilator. Transmission and distribution utilities must also advise customers that the certification form required by Section 4(L)(2) must be submitted to the transmission and distribution utility on an annual basis.

2.Notice in Association with the Winter Disconnection Rule

Each transmission and distribution utility shall include information regarding the existence of and eligibility criteria for the LIAP in any mailings by the transmission and distribution utility to comply with the Commission's Winter Disconnection Rule. The information shall include, at a minimum, the eligibility criteria for the LIAP, how to apply for the LIAP, and how to apply for credit for the use of an oxygen pump or ventilator. The information shall also appear on the transmission and distribution utility's web pages with other relevant customer service information targeted to residential customers.

B.Enrollment of DHHS Program Eligible Customers

Each transmission and distribution utility shall enroll customers determined eligible for a means-tested program administered by the DHHS and whose household income is found to be at or below 75% of the federal poverty guidelines upon receipt of the notification provided by the DHHS to the customer referenced in section 6(B) above. A transmission and distribution utility may create a form on its website for an eligible customer to enroll electronically, which will include a process for the customer to file an electronic copy of the notification from DHHS. The transmission and distribution utility may also require the customer to provide an electronic or paper copy of the notification and the transmission and distribution utility will manually enroll the customer in its LIAP.

C.Providing Information to MSHA, Community Action Agencies, or other MSHA Designated Entities

Upon the request of the MSHA, Community Action Agencies, or other MSHA designated entities, each transmission and distribution utility shall provide:

1. The prior 12 months usage for the customer's dwelling or the information necessary for the MSHA, Community Action Agency, or other MSHA- designated entity to estimate the usage for the upcoming 12 months for the dwelling;
2. The estimated cost of electric service for the 12-month period specified by the MSHA or Community Action Agency for each eligible customer; and
3. Any information needed to administer the transmission and distribution utility's LIAP.

This information shall be transmitted electronically by the transmission and distribution utility to the MSHA, Community Action Agency, or other MSHA- designated entity in a format acceptable to the MSHA, unless the MSHA and the transmission and distribution utility agree that an alternative method of data transmission is acceptable. The MSHA or MSHA-designated entity shall obtain customer authorization to release account information prior to requesting such information from the transmission and distribution utilities. This may be accomplished by including language necessary to release the account information in the LIAP application form.

D.Energy Management Measures

Each transmission and distribution utility shall coordinate its funding and delivery of energy management programs with the implementation of its LIAP with respect to any such programs available to low-income electric customers through the MSHA, Community Action Agencies, or other MSHA designated entities.

E.Reporting

Each transmission and distribution utility shall file quarterly reports with the MSHA and the Commission within 30 days of the closing of the quarter or year. The reports shall cumulatively summarize and update program information including the following minimum information for each month of the program year:

1.Number of Participants in LIAP

The number of participants enrolled in its LIAP each month.

2.Number of Participants Dropped from the LIAP

The number of participants dropped from the program by month.

3. Number of Participants Receiving Oxygen Pump Benefits

The number of participants enrolled in its LIAP each month receiving a benefit for the use of an oxygen pump. Customers receiving a housing subsidy that limits the household's total housing costs, including utilities, to a fixed percentage of the household's income, must be stated separately.

4.Number of Participants Receiving Ventilator Benefits.

The number of participants enrolled in its LIAP each month receiving a benefit for the use of a ventilator. Customers receiving a housing subsidy that limits the household's total housing costs, including utilities, to a fixed percentage of the household's income, must be stated separately.

5.Oxygen Pump Benefit Amounts

The total benefit amount provided to customers each month for the use of an oxygen pump, pursuant to Section 4(L) of this Chapter. The amount attributable to customers receiving a housing subsidy that limits the household's total housing costs, including utilities, to a fixed percentage of the household's income, must be stated separately.

6.Ventilator Benefit Amounts

The total benefit amount provided to customers each month for the use of a ventilator, pursuant to Section 4(L) of the Chapter. The amount attributable to customers receiving a housing subsidy that limits the household's total housing costs, including utilities, to a fixed percentage of the household's income, must be stated separately.

7.LIAP Program Benefit Amounts

The total dollar amount of benefits provided to participants by month.

8.Payments to the MSHA

The amount of program funding provided to the MSHA, separately listing LIAP benefits, Oxygen Pump and Ventilator Benefits, and administrative costs.

9.Reimbursements Received from the MSHA

The amount of funds received from the MSHA for reimbursement of LIAP and Oxygen Pump and Ventilator expenditures.

10.Reimbursement Requests made to the MSHA

The amount of funds requested for reimbursement from the MSHA.

11.Projected LIAP Benefits

The projected amount of LIAP benefits to be paid for the remainder of the program year and the difference between projected costs and the LIAP funding amount for the program year.

12.Administrative Funds Provided to MSHA

Funds provided to the MSHA for administrative costs pursuant to Section 5(B)(2).

The reports required in this subsection shall be filed within 30 days of the conclusion of each quarter and the end of each program year.

65-407 C.M.R. ch. 314, § 7