TO:	Commissioners; TA Directors; FS Directors; WMS Coordinators; CAP/TOP Coordinators; HEAP Coordinators

FROM:	Russell Sykes, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Temporary Assistance

SUBJECT:   Meeting Energy Emergencies

EFFECTIVE DATE:  November 3, 2004

CONTACT PERSON:  Temporary Assistance Energy Policy:  Central Regional Team at 1-800-343-8859; extension 4-9344
Home Energy Assistance Program Policy:  Western Regional Team at 1-800-343-8859; extension 3-0332	

The purpose of this message is to remind districts that when the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opens on November 3, 2004, the availability of HEAP benefits must be explored and used to alleviate any utility or non-utility energy emergency before the use of any Temporary Assistance (TA) benefits.  The following procedures must be used to address energy emergencies associated with heating, heat-related domestic energy, heating equipment repair/replacement, and/or alternative housing accommodations:

•	The availability of regular HEAP must be explored before emergency HEAP can be considered.
•	If regular HEAP is not available, or does not meet the emergency, the availability of emergency HEAP must be explored.
•	If both regular and emergency HEAP are not available, for example the applicant/recipient has exhausted his/her HEAP benefits for the current program year or HEAP is closed for the current program year, eligibility for TA benefits in accordance with policies and procedures outlined in the Energy Manual must be explored.