Energy Programs

200.09 OTHER SERVICES

A. Linkup/LifeLine

Linkup is a program that provides low-income families a discount on new telephone services hook up. If the family receives LIEAP or CIP, they may be eligible for this service.

LifeLine is a program that provides low- income families a discount on their local telephone bill. If the family receives LIEAP or CIP, they may be eligible for this service. See DSS-8168-I, LifeLine/Linkup Application Form.

B. Utilities Moratorium

1. The North Carolina's Utilities Commission order regarding disconnection/termination of services is listed below.

a. This order applies to the regulated electric and gas companies listed below:

Progress Energy
Duke Power Company
Nantahala Power and Light Company
North Carolina Power Company
New River Light and Power Company
Western Carolina University
Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc.
Pennsylvania and Southern Gas Company/North Carolina Gas service
Public Service Company of North Carolina, Inc.
North Carolina Natural Gas Corporation

2. Terminations of Services for all Customers

Before one of the regulated utilities companies discontinues services, the customers must:

a. Receive a written notice; and

b. Be contacted personally to the extent possible; and

c. Be provided an opportunity to make installment payments over six months for past and current bills.

3. Limited Moratorium on Termination of Services

Regulated utility companies cannot discontinue service from November 1 through March 31 of each year for certain eligible households that:

a. Contain a member who is elderly (age 65 or over) or is disabled; and

b. Cannot pay the utility bill in part or in full; and

c. Meet the eligibility requirements for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP); and

d. Have been certified as being eligible for LIEAP. The household does not actually have to receive assistance through LIEAP to qualify.

4. Application Procedures

a. General Information

You must:

(1) Cooperate in certifying households for the limited moratorium.

(2) Disseminate information to other social services programs in order that people who may be receiving assistance from these programs will be aware of the moratorium.

(3) Certify eligible households for the moratorium and tell them about the installment plan. (Use of this moratorium may enable you to stretch your county funds further.)

a. Procedures for completing the DSS-8118, Certification Utilities Moratorium.

(1) To certify the eligible households, complete the DSS-8118, Certification Utilities Moratorium;

(2) Forward the original DSS-8118 to the utility company; and

(3) Give/mail the applicant a copy; and

(4) Retain one copy in your file.

(5) Attach any documentation used to determine eligibility for LIEAP to the file copy.

c. Verification and Documentation

(1) You can accept the client’s statement regarding age and disability. An applicant certifies that he and/or a member of the household meets the definition of an aged or disabled person when he signs the DSS-8118.

(2) Do not forward any verification information to the utility company.

5. Hearing Process

Applicant's/Recipient's (A's/R's) Rights

An applicant or recipient may appeal to the Utilities Commission by calling (919) 733-9277 or writing to the Consumer Services Division, North Carolina Utilities Commission, 430 North Salisbury Street, 4325 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-4325.