<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 20.31.05.05" title_num="20" subtitle_num="31" chapter_num="05" heading="Application Procedures.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>For participation in the Utility Service Protection Program, a customer shall apply for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program for those utilities which provide gas and electric service to the customer.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Completed applications forwarded by MEAP to the utility shall include:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A written certification from MEAP that the applicant has applied and is eligible for MEAP; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A written designation from MEAP of the applicant's poverty level and grant amount payable to the utility.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The applicant shall sign a form requesting participation in the USPP and agreeing to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Comply with the terms of the Utility Service Protection Program;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Make payments pursuant to an annual payment plan which is specific to the customer and calculated in accordance with Regulation .06; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Make payments pursuant to a supplemental payment plan to retire any accumulated arrearages under COMAR 20.31.01.08. The utility shall consider the poverty level of the household as determined in the MEAP application in establishing the amount of the required monthly payment to liquidate arrearages.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>At the time of application, an applicant shall be notified of all protections and responsibilities accorded under Regulations .06—.08 of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>An applicant shall be promptly notified by the utility of his acceptance into the Utility Service Protection Program and be provided with a copy of the equal monthly payment plan designated for that applicant under Regulation .06 of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Each utility shall reimburse the MEAP for its administrative costs of taking applications from program participants and forwarding them to the utility. The charge shall be as established by the Commission upon request by MEAP.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>