Ch. 311

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Departments

6-406.                                                                                                 

The Office of Economic Opportunity shall develop and
implement the following programs:

(1) An emergency energy crisis intervention program
to prevent low income households, including the near poor, the
elderly, and those on fixed incomes from experiencing danger to
health or survival as a result of a utility disconnection or a
lack of fuel. The Office shall establish intake procedures for
those experiencing an energy emergency and guidelines for the
income eligibility and the program eligibility of applicants. In
developing these guidelines, the Office may adopt the procedures
of the federal "Emergency Energy Conservation Program" in §
222(a)(12) of the "Community Services Act of 1974." Local
offices for administering the crisis intervention program shall
be identified by the Energy Assistance and Information [office]
OFFICE. An emergency fund shall be established to pay fuel and
utility vendors who have provided service to persons qualifying
for the crisis intervention program. The amount of assistance
shall be based on need, with a maximum of $250 per year to any
qualifying household. Where possible, all existing assistance
programs concerned with energy emergencies shall be administered
by the Maryland Office of Economic Opportunity.

[(2) A State weatherization program to provide funds
for insulation materials and installation costs to eligible
households. Households shall qualify for the weatherization
program allotments based on income and program eligibility
guidelines established by the coordinator.]

[(3)] (2) A fuel and utility assistance program to
make payments on behalf of qualified households in order to
defray fuel and utility costs. Program and income eligibility
guidelines are determined by the coordinator. The amount of
assistance shall be based on need.

10-705.                                                                       

(a)  The Commission shall meet at the times and places that
it determines.

(b)  A member of the Commission:

(1)  May not receive compensation; but

(2)  Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under
the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State
budget.

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