(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 the income and program eligibility of applicants; and
(iv) identify local public or private agencies to administer the crisis intervention program.
(2) (i) The Office shall make payments to fuel vendors and utility vendors that have provided service to persons qualifying for the crisis intervention program.
(ii) The amount of assistance shall be based on need.
(b) (1) The Office shall carry out one or more fuel and utility assistance programs to make payments on behalf of qualified households to defray fuel and utility costs.
(2) The Office shall determine program and income eligibility guidelines.
(3) The amount of assistance shall be based on need.