TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary agreements and any subsequent amendments with the State of California, Department of Community Services and Development, to provide direct credit of allocated federal funds to the City of Long Beach on behalf of gas utility accounts of low-income gas customers, to extend the term of the contract for an additional three-year period through March 31, 2023. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On June 13, 2017, the City Council authorized an agreement with the State of California, Department of Community Services and Development (CSD), which administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistant Program (LIHEAP) that assists low-income utility customers in paying their natural gas and electric utility bills. This contract expired on April 30, 2020.
Under this program, customers apply to CSD to participate in LIHEAP at no cost. If approved and accepted, CSD will assist the customer by making a utility payment directly to the City of Long Beach (City) on the customer’s behalf. This payment is in-lieu of a direct payment from the customer so there is no net revenue change to the City.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony and Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on September 30, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 13, 2020, to execute the Direct Payment Program contract expeditiously to allow utility payments on behalf of low-income natural gas customers to the City.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as any payments the City receives through this Program are in-lieu payments that would otherwise be expected to be received from gas customers. The in-lieu payments are deposited in the Gas Fund Group in the Energy Resources Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with...
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