(a) The Department of Economic Opportunity shall receive and administer all state and federal funds which are allocated for programs to provide energy assistance to qualified low-income individuals only, except for those funds which are allocated to, and distributed by, the California Energy Extension Service.

(b) No later than November 1, 1984, the Department of Economic Opportunity shall promulgate a comprehensive procedure to assure that those energy assistance funds are utilized in the most productive and efficient manner, including a distribution system whereby all funds allocated for direct assistance payments are distributed by state and local agencies directly to the electrical or gas corporations or other suppliers of energy on behalf of the qualified low-income individuals or by two-party checks made payable to both the energy supplier and the individual. In establishing this system, the Department of Economic Opportunity shall consult with representatives of electrical or gas corporations or other suppliers of energy and with local agencies that participate in distributing assistance funds.

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The Department of Economic Opportunity shall have the discretion to adjust payments to the energy supplier or the individual or to make direct payments to the individual for payment to an energy supplier in special or unique circumstances not otherwise provided for in this section.

(Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 711, Sec. 44. Effective September 15, 1992.)