Workforce Services, Administration

Rule R982-405

Energy Assistance: Program Benefits

Notice of Proposed Rule

(New Rule)

DAR File No.: 36207
Filed: 05/15/2012 03:39:33 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

H.B. 139 which was passed in the 2012 General Session moved the Division of Housing and Community Development, Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) from what was known as the Department of Community and Culture (DCC) to the Department of Workforce Service (DWS). This proposed new rule simply changes the rule numbering and moves it to DWS.

Summary of the rule or change:

This new rule text is the same as the old rule. The old rule number was R195-5 and will now be R982-405. The statutory references have been changed to reflect the new code provisions. The old department and division names were also changed to reflect the changes in H.B. 139. No other changes were made.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 35A-8-1403

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

There will be no costs or savings to the state budget by this new rule because the rule already existed and any costs or savings are as a result of H.B. 139 and not this new rule.

local governments:

There will be no costs or savings to any local government's budget by this new rule because the rule already existed and any costs or savings are as a result of H.B. 139 and not this new rule.

small businesses:

There will be no costs or savings to any small business by this new rule because the rule already existed and any costs or savings are as a result of H.B. 139 and not this new rule.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

There will be no costs or savings to any persons other than small businesses, businesses or local government entitles by this new rule because the rule already existed and any costs or savings are as a result of H.B. 139 and not this new rule.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

There will be no costs or savings to any affected persons by this new rule because the rule already existed and any costs or savings are as a result of H.B. 139 and not this new rule.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

There are no compliance costs associated with this change. There are no fees associated with this change. There will be no cost to anyone to comply with these changes. There will be no fiscal impact on any business.

Kristen Cox, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Workforce Services
Administration
140 E BROADWAY
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111-2333

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Suzan Pixton at the above address, by phone at 801-526-9645, by FAX at 801-526-9211, or by Internet E-mail at spixton@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

07/02/2012

This rule may become effective on:

07/09/2012

Authorized by:

Kristen Cox, Executive Director

R982. Workforce Services, Administration.

R982-405. Energy Assistance: Program Benefits.

R982-405-1. Program Benefits.

Each household may apply for HEAT Crisis assistance up to a maximum of $500 per utility (two separate utilities) per program year - October 1 through September 30. Any amount that adds up over $500, whether it is made through a combination of HEAT Crisis payments, or one crisis payment throughout the year must get prior approval from the State.

 

R982-405-2. Standard Payment Levels.

The energy assistance benefit payment level is based on a household's income and energy burden (energy burden is the proportion of a household's income used to pay for home heating). For example, households with the lowest income and the highest energy burden will receive the highest energy assistance benefit payment available. Households with children under age six years, the elderly (age 60 plus years), and/or disabled people may receive an additional energy assistance benefit amount.

 

R982-405-3. Benefit Payments.

1. Direct client payments will be made only when a contract with the primary heat source cannot be obtained or if the primary heat source is the landlord.

 

R982-405-4. Split Payments.

1. If the primary heat source's payment account is current, up to 50% of the HEAT payment may be made to the client. Payment disbursements may be split only in the percentages listed below:

a. 100%

b. 50%/50%

c. 75%/25%

 

KEY: energy assistance, benefits

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: 2012

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 9-12-10; 35A-8-1403