COMAR 07.03.22.07. Bill Assistance

A. Subject to Regulations .03 — .05 of this chapter and the availability of funds, the local agency or Administration may deliver bill assistance benefits on behalf of an eligible EUSP applicant by a payment, or payments, to the applicant's electric company.

B. Bill assistance benefits shall be:

(1) Available to help an eligible electric customer maintain electric service;

(2) Payable to the electric company, a retail electric supplier, or both, in the EUSP applicant's service area; and

(3) Returned by the eligible applicant's electric company to the Administration for reallocation when the electric company cannot apply the benefits to the applicant's active account.

C. Amount of Benefits.

(1) The Administration shall determine allowable benefit amounts for bill assistance based on:

(a) The household's income poverty level;

(b) The applicant's household's electric consumption during the 12 months before the date of application; and

(c) The applicant's status as a resident in public or subsidized housing.

(2) An eligible applicant may receive one bill assistance benefit during one program year.

D. Supplemental Bill Assistance Benefits. If the Administration authorizes a supplemental bill assistance benefit increase, the Administration shall send a written notification to eligible applicants and their respective electric companies.

Cross References 07.03.25.11C