Nevadans who need state assistance to cool or heat their homes won’t get support as quickly as they want.
The corporate headquarters of NV Energy as seen on Wednesday, November 22, 2017. (Source: The Nevada Independent/Jeff Scheid)
Delays and Shortages Plague Nevada’s Energy Assistance Program
The state’s Energy Assistance Program is overburdened and lacks staff to process all applications. Energy subsidies are provided to low-income Nevadans. “Electric, propane, gas. We offer pellets and heating oil “Maria Wortman-Meshberger, Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services chief of employment and support services. The federally funded program is charged on Nevada energy bills. Everyone must apply annually. “It is a statewide program for individuals below 150% of poverty,” stated. “So our average benefit right now is $1,209 and it is typically paid to the energy vendor,” Wortman-Meshberger said they’ve processed 9,300 applications since July 1. 11,662 applications await review. Increased applications and a 35% staffing vacancy are delaying things. Lou needs the program. He’s lived in a south Reno Airstream trailer for 20 years.
“What I get for retirement just doesn’t cover the bills,” said he. I do food stamps. Though I’m not proud of it, it’s not enough. One lunch per day.” A gas tank powers Lou’s space heater. “Winter is cold. This trailer is old and poorly insulated.” Lou requested Nevada’s Energy Assistance on May 12. His application is still pending. “I’m two months late on electricity. I’m selling tools to keep up with that 48-hour notice at the end of the month. I must choose heat or power. I choose heat now “Lou replied.
Some applications are taking longer, like Lou’s. According to the state, processing takes 105 days on average. They’re shifting people from other departments to help with the backlog and plan to fix it in four to five months. Wortman-Meshberger expects Governor Joe Lombardo’s decision suspending state job minimums will fill the vacancies. If they meet all other requirements, staff may expedite applications for those who got a 48-hour disconnect warning or have less than 10% fuel left.
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