(Revised 10/1/22 ML #3679)
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When a household’s primary heat source is also used to provide heat or electricity to other buildings, or power machinery or vehicles, (including electric-powered vehicles) and the usage cannot be separated, the household is identified as a Non-Residential Usage household and a cap is applied to the household’s heating benefit.
Clients whose usage includes non-residential purposes are required to specify this fact on the LIHEAP application, Form 529. These clients will be subject to a maximum benefit equal to the estimated cost of heat multiplied by the calculated LIHEAP Share % of the household.
Examples of non-residential usage may include, but are not limited to:
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A primary heat source that also supplies heat or electricity to another building, such as a detached garage, shop, or barn
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A primary heat source that is also being used to power farm machinery or vehicles. (The heat source in this case is usually fuel oil, however, this may also apply to an electric-powered vehicle)
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A living unit that is behind or above a store with a common heat source that cannot be separated
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A rural living situation in which two homes are sharing a single heat source that cannot be separated (i.e., one meter, or shared tank)
The following examples of usage are NOT considered non-residential usage:
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Plugging in vehicles in the winter months
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Propane/Natural Gas usage for grilling
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Electricity used to power hand tools (trimmers, drills, saws, and such)
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Fuel usage for appliances, such as a natural gas stove or natural gas water heater
