Previous Utility Provider

If the client moved and the Energy Assistance benefit was issued to the previous utility provider, the previous provider has the right to keep any payment to settle the outstanding debt. If there are funds remaining from the previous provider, a refund request can be submitted for a partial refund and then reissue a partial payment to another vendor if the error is reported within 30 days of the payment notice. See the refund request article.

Propane

Once the payment is wired to the propane provider, they have up to 60 days from that date to schedule the propane delivery. It depends on the provider schedule, availability of their driver, inclement weather, and demand for services. The Energy Assistance program cannot rush the provider since we do not own or regulate them.

Winter Heating & Summer Cooling Payment Timeframe:

Eligible Energy Assistance households may receive benefits paid directly to the utility vendor on their behalf. The benefit payments for summer cooling and winter heating may take several weeks to reflect on the account.

Clients should continue paying utility bills to avoid any service interruption. If they received a cut off notice from their utility vendor, they must contact the utility vendor customer service to make arrangements. 340:20-1-14(5)

Wrong Account Number:

When a payment is issued to the account number provided on the application and the account number was wrong:

• if the program is still open for enrollment, the household will need to submit a new application with the correct account number if eligibility has been determined. 340:20-1-12(5) If eligibility has NOT been determined, clients should call 405-522-5050 to provide the correct account number. 340:20-1-14(2)
• if the program has closed, a refund will be requested and the benefit payment will be reissued, if the request was made within 30 days of the payment notice. See the FSQuest | LIHEAP Refund Request article. 340:20-1-14(8)

Wrong Address:

If the payment was authorized to the correct vendor, and account number and the payment was not closed by the utility vendor; the utility vendor credits the account number provided. Even if the address was wrong on the client notice.