NV Energy officials offer aid to seniors at expo

Rising temperatures can mean rising consumer energy costs to keep air conditioners running and homes cool. This can mean rising anxiety for seniors struggling to pay energy bills.

That’s where Project REACH comes in.

Project REACH (Relief through Energy Assistance to Prevent Customer Hardships) is NV Energy’s program for income-eligible customers older than 62 or those who are medically fragile or Reserve and National Guard Members.

NV Energy officials were at Cashman Center for the 10th annual Senior Energy Assistance Expo on Saturday teaching locals about the program.

When Daniel Quinones’ number was called after an hourlong wait, he and his mother, Rose Satre, walked to the front of the center’s Hall A and were greeted by NV Energy representatives. He was hoping to save money on his utility bill with Project REACH.

Pat Egan, NV Energy’s senior vice president of customer operations, said the program can help customers save up to $350 on a past-due electric bill.

“Lots of people are in serious need and this is a way to get it all done in one day,” he said.

Last year, more than $340,000 was credited to 1,200 NV Energy customers through Project REACH.

Dropping energy rates have offered seniors, and others, some relief. On July 1, NV Energy, announced monthly rates for residential, commercial and industrial users would dip 1.47 percent.

A typical Southern Nevada single-family residential customer who uses an average of 1,141 kilowatt-hours per month will see a decrease in their monthly bill of $2.55, the company said. The 1.87 percent drop equates to a monthly bill of $133.74, down from $136.29.

Since June 30, 2015, NV Energy said, the average monthly bill for a typical single-family user has dropped $20.81, or 13.5 percent.

But some seniors need more help. At Saturday’s expo, the utility company helped 1,400 customers. Quinones, for example, was credited $150 toward his utility bill.

“Every little bit helps,” he said. “Overall, it reduces my monthly bill and I’m looking to sell my house, so in the process, I’m looking to save as much as I can.”

NV Energy customer Sandra Brown was credited $350 towards her utility bill. She has been out of work since November.

“(The savings) is going to help because I don’t have to stress out about it, which feels good so now I can focus on other stuff,” she said. “This (expo) is really needed. It’s important because a lot of people need help.”

Jeff Alcorn was attending the expo for the third year, hoping to get his utility bill covered.

“The summer is what beats us up,” he said referring to the high utility costs during the summer months. “Seniors don’t acclimate to the heat well and for quadriplegics and paraplegics it’s especially important.”

Alcorn, who saved nearly $200 at Saturday’s expo, broke his neck during a high diving accident 40 years ago and is in a wheelchair.

“I hope it stays because there are plenty of seniors who need it,” he said about the expo. “I need it and it makes a difference and helps the community.”

For more information on Project REACH, visit www.nvenergy.com/help or call 702-402-5200.

Contact reporter Ann Friedman at afriedman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588. Follow @AnnFriedmanRJ on Twitter.