TO:	Commissioners; TA Directors; CAP Coordinators; HEAP Coordinators

FROM:	Patricia A. Stevens, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Temporary Assistance

SUBJECT:	Use of HEAP to Address Energy Emergencies

EFFECTIVE DATE:	Immediately

CONTACT PERSON:	Temporary Assistance (TA) Energy Policy:  Eastern Regional Team @ 1-800-343-8859, extension 3-9344
		Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Policy:  Western Regional Team @ 1-800-343-8859, extension 3-0332

This is to remind districts that the availability of Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits must be explored and used to alleviate any utility or non-utility energy emergency before the use of any Temporary Assistance (TA) program.  The following escalation procedures must be used to address energy emergencies associated with heating, heat-related domestic energy, heating equipment and alternate housing accommodations:

1.	The availability of regular HEAP must be explored before emergency HEAP can be considered. 
2.	If regular HEAP is not available, the availability of emergency HEAP must be explored.

Districts should remind appropriate staff of this requirement.