Frequently Asked Questions

Valley Electric Association is a member owned and a non-profit organization. Our members make up what Valley Electric stands for.

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What is the process to become a new member?

A new member is a consumer wishing to open an electrical service account. Contact the main office by telephone (775-727-5312) or stop by at 800 E Hwy 372 in Pahrump. Provide at least one form of identification and know both your social security and driver’s license number. Once you have completed the application form, return it and any other required documents to either the New Business Representative or the New Construction Representative.

What is the difference between “New Business” and “New Construction”?

New Business is opening an account for electric service at an existing meter location, i.e. there is already a meter base on the property. New Construction is opening an account for electric service but the consumer is requesting that VEA build the required electrical conductor on the property.

What is the "main breaker" and how does it affect my service?

The main service disconnect (main circuit breaker) disconnects service at the meter base and the home or business. It is a safety device used by your electric service provider, emergency personnel (fire department, etc) to disconnect electric service between the meter base and your house. Since utility personnel do not know what switches may be on in the house, the main breaker is switched off whenever the meter is activated (connected). Always check the main breaker at your service entry panel, the location of the meter, to verify an energized service. If the meter is turned sideways or there is no meter, call the main office (775) 727-5312.

Who is responsible for the meter base and trenching?

The consumer, or their contractor/developer, is responsible for providing the appropriate meter base (wall mount, overhead pole mount or pedestal) and any and all trenching as may be required. Trenches must be inspected and approved by Valley Electric Association personnel prior to any electrical conductor being placed in the trench. Sufficient trench openings are required at each end for Valley Electric Association personnel to perform the appropriate installation connections.

What is the Right-of-Way Easement and why do I need it?

Wherever possible, the electric lines of the Association will be constructed on private right-of-way pursuant to easements granted by land-owners, rather than upon highways or other public right-of-way, which will make the costs of relocating such electric lines an obligation of the authority requiring the relocation rather than burdening the member-consumer with such costs. Since Valley Electric Association maintains ownership of all service conductors up to the meter panel, it is important that an easement be granted providing Valley Electric Association with the appropriate access to those conductors, to include the right of ingress to and egress from the premises of the consumer. This is not a take away easement and the property owner can still utilize the land in a manner consistent with the policies of Valley Electric Association.

Deposits.

Deposits are required until/unless the consumer meets one of the following conditions: (1) they have established a satisfactory credit history (12 months with no late payments) with Valley Electric Association or any other electric utility in the previous 12 months or (2) they are the surviving spouse of an Association member who had a satisfactory credit history and they are applying for membership. Any other consumer unable to meet the previously mentioned criteria shall make and maintain a deposit equal to two (2) times the highest monthly bill at the location where they need service or estimated bill if the actual billing is unavailable. New construction accounts will require a $200 deposit or credit reference letter and new commercial accounts will require a deposit beginning at $300. Deposits will be credited after twelve (12) months of good credit history. The main office staff will be able to answer your questions in more detail.

Where does Valley Electric Association get its power?

VEA gets its power from the open market, where we get the best price possible per kilowatt-hour. Also, a percentage of our power comes from hydro-dams along the Colorado river. This power is some of the most cost effective in the United States.

Are there any special payment plans?

Yes we currently have two plans:

Automatic Payment Plan - This plan is an agreement between VEA and the consumer authorizing the co-op to automatically deduct your payment from your bank account. You will still receive a statement from VEA explaining how much power was used and the amount you were billed for that month. (See brochure enclosed)

Balanced Payment Plan - This plan is offered to residential members and allows them to pay the same amount each month. The consumer must have lived at their present address for the past 12 months. The consumer will arrange with the co-op to pay the same dollar amount each month based on previous power use. You can be on this plan along with the Automatic Payment Plan, which makes it easy for you to pay your bill.

Are there meetings to find out more about VEA?

There are 6 different district meetings each year as well as an Annual Meeting.
We also have a monthly Board Meeting where we discuss issues concerning Valley Electric.
You can also join our Ambassador program. They have quarterly meetings and it is a great opportunity to be super-informed and learn about the cooperative.