Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Tara Williams
Department: Human Services Division: Family Success Administration
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO APPROVE Memorandum of Agreement between Florida Power & Light Company and Broward County, effective for two years from the date of execution, to provide energy assistance benefits to eligible low-income households under the Florida Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, at no cost to Broward County; authorize the County Administrator to execute amendments to the Agreement, subject to legal sufficiency review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, provided such amendments do not materially increase the County’s obligations; and authorize the County Administrator to take all necessary administrative actions to implement the Agreement.
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Why Action is Necessary
Broward County Board of County Commissioners (“Commission”) approval is required for agreements with external agencies.
What Action Accomplishes
Approval of this motion establishes the responsibilities and payment processing procedures under the Florida Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (“LIHEAP”), ensuring compliance with the LIHEAP grant’s requirement for written agreements between grant recipients and energy vendors.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None
Summary Explanation/Background
THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND FAMILY SUCCESS ADMINISTRATION DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This action supports the Commission’s value of “building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives” and the goal of “delivering accessible human services that holistically address the whole person collaboratively and compassionately.”
The Memorandum of Agreement (“Agreement”) fulfills the LIHEAP grant’s requirement for written agreements with energy vendors, enabling Broward County to provide financial assistance to eligible households for emergency home energy needs.
As a designated Community Action Agency, Broward County administers federal funds awarded for LIHEAP through the Florida Department of Commerce. LIHEAP provides assistance to eligible households in Broward County with electric bill payments, mitigating health and safety risks associated with energy shortages or unsafe heating and cooling practices.
The Federally Funded Subgrant Umbrella Agreement E2227, as amended, between the Florida Department of Commerce and Broward County requires the County to have written agreements with energy vendors that must describe how the County will pledge energy payments to the vendor and state that LIHEAP funds must only be used for energy-related elements of a utility bill. Additionally, agreements with energy vendors must contain critical operational assurances and establish a clear process for the vendor to assist in verifying client account information and make timely commitments to resolve energy crises.
Florida Power & Light Company (“FPL”) is the sole provider of electrical energy for residents in Broward County and will be the only recipient of LIHEAP payments. The Agreement with FPL is an essential component of LIHEAP and sets forth the responsibilities and payment processing procedures under LIHEAP to ensure clients receive timely assistance. Except for LIHEAP payments made on behalf of clients, no other fees or charges are payable to FPL under the Agreement.
The Agreement (Exhibit 1) is in FPL’s format and has been reviewed and approved as to form by the County Attorney’s Office.
Source of Additional Information
Efrem H. Crenshaw, Director, Family Success Administration Division, (954) 357-5003
Kristi Hill, Assistant Director, Family Success Administration Division, (954) 357-6403
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
There are no costs associated with the FPL Memorandum of Agreement. Administrative and grant expenses related to LIHEAP are covered by grant funds received under the Federally Funded Subgrant Umbrella Agreement E2227 between the Florida Department of Commerce and Broward County.