The following definitions shall apply to terms in chapter 245,
Laws of 1986, and/or this chapter:
"Applicant" refers to a client of a community action agency or
other public or private nonprofit organization, or a current customer of a
utility company, or an applicant for service of a utility company, who applies
for the moratorium program or other energy assistance.
"Contractor" means community action agency or other public or
private nonprofit organizations providing energy assistance and weatherization
services under contract with the department of community development.
"Business days" means all days except Saturday, Sunday and
legal holidays.
"Client income statement" means a statement the applicant signs
that acknowledges household gross income, self-certified income, and seven
percent of household's income. The statement acknowledges whether the income is
verified or unverified, whether the applicant has applied for energy and
weatherization assistance, and whether the utility company and the agency were
properly notified by the applicant. The statement also acknowledges that the
applicant agrees to enter into a payment plan, to pay the past due bill by
October 15 even if they move, to pay for continued utility service, and to
apply any assistance received to the bill.
"Date of application" means the day the applicant notifies the
utility of their inability to pay the bill.
"Extenuating circumstances" means anything beyond the
reasonable control of the applicant.
"Household income" means the total income of all household
members considered for LIHEAP eligibility determination.
"LIHEAP" means low-income home energy assistance program, a
federally-funded block grant.
"Low-income households" means households whose total income is
no more than 125 percent of the federal poverty level.
"Overdue notice" means a written notice to disconnect service
on a given date, unless payment is made.
"Utility" means regulated electric and gas companies, public
utility districts, and municipal electric suppliers.
