State: Maine

Funding

   

Yes or No

Comment

1

Do annual SBC dollars directly go up/down based on the level of LIHEAP dollars?

No

CMP differs possibly through March 2002.

2

Do SBC benefit levels directly go up/down based on the LIHEAP benefit provided?

No

 

3

Does LIHEAP/WAP determine the allocation between program components?

N/A

The SBC program does not have an efficiency component.

4

Do LIHEAP benefits go up/down depending on the level of the SBC benefit.?

No

LIHEAP is heating; SBC program is electric. Unrelated.

Oversight

1

Does LIHEAP/WAP set the size of the overall budget?

No

Each individual utility proposes own plan, approved by PUC.

2

Does LIHEAP do the program evaluation for SBC expenditures?

Yes

Is not "assigned" task of evaluating, but plans to do so as service to clients.

3

Does the LIHEAP office audit whether utilities make correct SBC payments?

Yes

LIHEAP reports to PUC; PUC "enforces."

4

Does LIHEAP provide the daily staffing for SBC program administration?

Yes

Program administered through CAAs.

5

Does LIHEAP do data collection on SBC recipients?

Yes

Files quarterly reports.

Administration

1

Are there explicit differences in SBC and LIHEAP eligibility?

No

By rule, SBC eligibility must be same as LIHEAP.

2

Are there explicit differences in the energy bill paid by SBC and LIHEAP?

Yes

LIHEAP is heating; SBC is electric.

3

Does LIHEAP set the amount of the SBC benefit?

No

Individual utility programs approved by PUC.

4

Does LIHEAP/WAP promulgate SBC program rules?

No

PUC promulgates rules/LIHEAP merely a party to PUC proceeding.

5

Does LIHEAP provide the computer connection between utilities and the SBC program?

Yes

Utilities send LIHEAP SBC dollars collected in excess of benefits paid.

6

Is SBC administration centralized at the state level?

No

 

Outreach

1

Does receiving LIHEAP automatically enroll a consumer to receive SBC?

Yes

 

2

Can a household receive SBC without receiving LIHEAP?

No

 

3

Are there explicit differences in the target population for SBC and LIHEAP?

No

 

4

Does LIHEAP provide consumer outreach unique to the SBC program?

Yes

Through the CAAs

Delivery

1

Do all SBC recipients also receive LIHEAP?

No

SBC participant must agree to participate in any available program to reduce consumption.

2

All application forms for LIHEAP and SBC the same (WAP and SBC)?

No

Each individual utility has own application.

3

Are time periods within which consumers may apply for LIHEAP and SBC the same?

Yes

 

4

Are intake agencies identical for SBC and LIHEAP?

Yes

 

5

Do LIHEAP pay SBC benefits directly to the consumer or to utility on consumer's behalf?

Yes

SBC benefits distributed in form of rate discount to customer account.

6

Does LIHEAP provide notices of the need for periodic income recertification?

Yes

 

Contact Person

 

Ms. Jo-Ann Choate
LIHEAP Coordinator
Energy and Housing Services
Maine State Housing Authority
353 Water Street
Augusta, Maine 04330
TEL: (207) 624-5708
FAX: (207) 624-5780
E-MAIL: jchoate@mainehousing.org