Nevada Utility Relief Programs: 2025 Assistance Guide

Managing high utility bills in Nevada can be a major source of stress, especially during the extreme heat of summer or the cold of winter. Fortunately, a comprehensive network of state, federal, and private programs exists to help you keep the lights on and the water running. This guide breaks down the available options, eligibility rules, and application steps to get you the financial relief you need.

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is the main resource for Nevadans struggling with heating and cooling costs. Managed by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS), this program combines federal and state funds to provide a single, annual benefit to eligible households.

How It Works

The program calculates a "Fixed Annual Credit" based on your income and energy usage. This credit is not a cash payment to you; instead, it is sent directly to your utility provider (like NV Energy or Southwest Gas) to reduce your monthly bills.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for EAP, you must meet specific residency and financial criteria at the time of application:

• Residency: You must live in Nevada.
• Citizenship: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
• Account Holder: You must be responsible for paying the energy costs, either directly to the utility or as part of your rent.

Income Guidelines (FY 2025)

Your household's gross monthly income must not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For the 2025 fiscal year, the annual income limits are:

• 1 Person: $22,590
• 2 People: $30,660
• 3 People: $38,730
• 4 People: $46,800
• 5 People: $54,870
• 6 People: $62,940
• 7 People: $71,010
• 8 People: $79,080

Data sourced from DWSS FY 2025 Manual.

Crisis Assistance

If you are in danger of losing service, EAP offers a "Fast Track" component. You may qualify for expedited processing (typically within 48 hours) if:

• You have received a disconnection notice.
• Your service has already been shut off.
• You have less than 10% fuel remaining in a bulk tank (propane/oil).

Water and Sewer Assistance Program (WSAP)

Recognizing that water is just as essential as electricity, Nevada has integrated water assistance into its safety net. The Water and Sewer Assistance Program (WSAP) helps low-income families maintain their water service.

• Easy Application: You can apply for WSAP using the same application form as the Energy Assistance Program. This "joint application" ensures you are screened for both benefits at once.
• Who Gets Priority? Funding is limited and prioritizes households that are already disconnected, facing immediate disconnection, or those who need a rate reduction to afford their bills.
• Benefit: Eligible households receive a one-time payment sent directly to their water or sewer provider.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

While EAP helps pay your current bills, the Weatherization Assistance Program helps lower your future bills permanently. This program provides free home upgrades to reduce energy waste.

How It Helps

Contractors will audit your home to find energy leaks. Based on the findings, they may install:

• New insulation for attics and floors.
• Solar screens to block summer heat.
• Weather-stripping and air sealing.
• Minor repairs to heating or cooling systems.

Higher Income Limits

Weatherization often has a higher income cap than bill assistance. Households with an income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify. Both renters and homeowners are eligible to apply.

NV Energy Assistance Programs

NV Energy offers specific charitable programs to help customers who might have fallen through the cracks of state aid. These programs vary depending on where you live.

Northern Nevada: SAFE

The Special Assistance Fund for Energy (SAFE) is for customers in Northern Nevada.

• Administrator: Managed by the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra.
• Goal: Provides one-time gap funding to prevent disconnection.
• Requirement: You typically need to have a past-due bill and show that you are facing a temporary financial hardship.

Southern Nevada: Project REACH

Project REACH (Relief through Energy Assistance to Prevent Customer Hardships) serves vulnerable residents in Southern Nevada.

• Target Audience: Seniors (62+), medically fragile individuals, and deployed military members.
• Income Limit: The gross annual income limit for a single-person household is approximately $31,300 for FY 2025.
• Assistance: Eligible households can receive up to $300 in bill assistance once per year.

Southwest Gas Energy Share

If you use natural gas, the Energy Share program can provide emergency relief.

• Funding Source: Funded by donations from employees and customers.
• Administered By: The Salvation Army manages the distribution of funds.
• Eligibility: You do not need to meet strict federal poverty guidelines. Instead, you must demonstrate an "unexpected hardship," such as a medical emergency or sudden job loss.

Rural Electric Cooperatives

Residents in rural Nevada often rely on co-ops, which have their own community-focused aid programs.

• Valley Electric Association: Offers "Operation Round Up," where members round up their bills to fund charitable grants for those in crisis.
• Overton Power District 5: Provides flexibility with payment arrangements and may waive deposit fees for low-income customers who secure third-party assistance.
• Mt. Wheeler Power: Staff often assist members in filling out state EAP applications and offer loans for energy conservation upgrades.

Critical Care Protections

If you rely on electrically operated medical equipment, you have specific rights to ensure your safety.

• Green Cross (NV Energy) / Medically Fragile (Southwest Gas): These programs identify your home as a critical care location.
• Benefits: You receive advance notice of planned outages. More importantly, if a doctor certifies a health risk, the utility can delay disconnection (usually for 30 days) to give you time to pay or make arrangements.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Start with EAP: Submit an application via the Access Nevada portal
   . This single application screens you for Energy Assistance, Water Assistance, and Weatherization.
2. Start with EAP: Submit an application via the Access Nevada portal. This single application screens you for Energy Assistance, Water Assistance, and Weatherization.   
3. Contact Local Charities: If you need immediate help while waiting for state processing, contact the United Way (for SAFE/Project REACH) or the Salvation Army (for Energy Share).
4. Document Medical Needs: If applicable, download the Green Cross or Medically Fragile forms, have your doctor sign them, and submit them to your utility immediately.   
5. Check for Rebates: If you are a senior, check with your County Assessor about the Senior Tax Assistance Rebate (STAR) or similar property tax relief programs that can free up your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions