216A.104 Energy utility assessment and resolution program.

1. The general assembly finds that provision of assistance to prevent utility disconnections will also prevent the development of public health risks due to such disconnections. The division shall establish an energy utility assessment and resolution program administered by each community action agency for persons with low incomes who have or need a deferred payment agreement or are in need of an emergency fuel delivery to address home energy utility costs.

2. A person must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for the program:

a. The person is eligible for the federal low-income home energy assistance program.

b. The person is a residential customer of an energy utility approved for the program by the division.

c. The person has or is in need of a deferred payment agreement to address the person’s home energy utility costs.

d. The person is able to maintain or regain residential energy utility service in the person’s own name.

e. The person provides the information necessary to determine the person’s eligibility for the program.

f. The person complies with other eligibility requirements adopted in rules by the division.

3. The program components shall include but are not limited to all of the following:

a. Analysis of a program participant’s current financial situation.

b. Review of a program participant’s resource and money management options.

c. Skills development and assistance for a program participant in negotiating a deferred payment agreement with the participant’s energy utility.

d. Development of a written household energy affordability plan.

e. Provision of energy conservation training and assistance.

f. A requirement that a program participant must make uninterrupted, regular utility payments while participating in the program.

2007 Acts, ch 218, §136; 2010 Acts, ch 1031, §134, 170