Lighthouse Assistance Program Guidelines

Valley Electric Association’s Lighthouse Assistance Program is designed to provide assistance to members who, through income limitations or other unusual circumstances find themselves in a situation where they are having difficulty paying their electric bill.

The program is administered by the County social service agencies in the counties serviced by the Association.

The application process and eligibility guidelines are as follows:

1. Applicants must apply directly to the social service agency.
2. The agency makes the determination about whether an applicant is eligible for assistance, based on the following criteria:
   1. Applicant must fill out an application form.
   2. Funds can only be received once during a 12 month period.
   3. The Association bill must be past due before funds are available and Applicants must provide a copy of their most recent Valley Electric Association bill to verify information about the amount due, account number and due date.
3. In addition to income information, Applicants may be asked:
   1. What are the unusual circumstances that require you to seek assistance?
   2. If you receive assistance, will you be able to keep current with your future electric bills?
   3. Do you live in any form of subsidized housing?
   4. Have you entered into a bill payment arrangement with the Association?
   5. Have you applied for assistance from any other state or federal low-income energy assistance program before applying here?
4. The agency will determine how much, if any, assistance the Applicant will receive:
   1. The maximum benefit is $200.
5. Funds may be used to restore service if service has been terminated due to non-payment or failure to meet payment arrangements.
6. Funding may not be used for: Deposits, returned check fees, damage charges, energy theft charges, final bills, or irrigation and general service accounts. Funds will not be given where the account is in the name of other than the Applicant.
7. The agency will fax or mail copies of the application to Valley Electric Association at the following address: PO BOX 237, Pahrump, NV  89041
   Fax number: 775-727-6320
8. The agency will immediately notify Valley Electric Association of a payment recommendation in order to avoid shut-off (particularly in cases where the consumer has received a disconnect notice).
   1. Consumers who receive assistance and still have an unpaid balance should contact Valley Electric Association at 775-727-5312 to make payment arrangements.

For more information regarding the Lighthouse Assistance Program, contact Mindy Morrow at 775-727-5312.

Click here for Lighthouse Assistance Program Application in PDF format.