Section 5-5A-01 – Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.     (b)    “Energy emergency” means a lack of fuel or the imminent discontinuation of energy services supplied by a fuel vendor or utility vendor that will endanger health, safety, or welfare.     (c)    “Fuel vendor” means a person that distributes, transports, produces, or offers for sale coal products, fuel […]

Section 5-5A-02 – Established

    There is an Office of Home Energy Programs in the Administration.

Section 5-5A-03 – Purpose

    The purpose of the Office is to carry out this subtitle.

Section 5-5A-04 – Staff

    (a)    The Office may employ a staff.     (b)    Except as otherwise provided by law, the employees of the Office are subject to the State Personnel and Pensions Article.

Section 5-5A-05 – Authority of Secretary

    The Office exercises its authority, duties, and functions under any State law subject to the authority of the Secretary under any State law.

Section 5-5A-06 – Powers and Duties

    (a)    (1)    The Office shall maintain liaison with:             (i)    the United States Department of Health and Human Services;             (ii)    local government units concerned with energy programs;             (iii)    citizens’ groups;             (iv)    utility vendors and major fuel vendors in the State; and             (v)    any other state, federal, and local units.         (2)    The Office shall:             (i)    consult with and advise the local entities described in paragraph (1) […]

Section 5-5A-07 – Programs

    (a)    (1)    The Office shall:             (i)    carry out an energy emergency crisis intervention program to prevent low–income households, including the near poor, the elderly, households with children, and those on fixed incomes from experiencing danger to health or survival as a result of an energy emergency;             (ii)    establish intake procedures for those experiencing an energy emergency;             (iii)    establish guidelines for […]

Section 5-5A-08 – Cmn Program

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.         (2)    “CMN Program” means the Critical Medical Needs Program established under this section.         (3)    “Critical medically vulnerable individual” means an individual who:             (i)    has a severe health condition that will be aggravated due to the termination or noncontinuation of electric or gas service or needs the use of […]

Section 5-5A-09 – Short Title

    This subtitle may be cited as the “Energy Assistance Program Act”.