A. As used in the Low Income Utility Assistance Act:
(1) "authority" or "department" means the health care authority; and
(2) "utility" means a publicly, privately or municipally owned utility or a distribution cooperative utility for the rendition of electric power or gas.
B. The authority shall determine eligibility, establish payment amounts, make utility assistance payments to or on behalf of eligible recipients and otherwise administer the Low Income Utility Assistance Act.
C. The authority shall use funds appropriated under the Low Income Utility Assistance Act to the maximum extent to generate available federal and local government funds and to mobilize other resources that may be applied to the concepts of the Low Income Utility Assistance Act.