NV Energy Bill Help 2026–27: Nevada Energy Assistance, Project REACH, and Shutoff Protections
Updated: 13 minutes ago
In Las Vegas, the biggest source of help with an NV Energy bill is Nevada's Energy Assistance Program, not NV Energy itself. Here's who qualifies for EAP in FY 2027, what to send, NV Energy's own payment and efficiency programs, and the state rules that limit shutoffs in extreme heat and cold.
AT A GLANCE
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A summer NV Energy bill in Las Vegas can be bigger than a month's car payment. Help exists, but it comes from different places. The biggest source is the state's Energy Assistance Program (EAP), not NV Energy itself. NV Energy adds payment programs and an assistance program for older customers. Nevada regulators set shutoff rules that protect you on the hottest and coldest days.
This guide is written for Southern Nevada (Las Vegas area) customers. The state program and shutoff rules also cover Northern Nevada.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Found something out of date? Our Editorial Standards explain how to report it.
Funding and program details change. Confirm before you apply. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Part 1: Nevada Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
What it is
DSS says the EAP gives qualifying low-income Nevadans a supplement toward home energy costs. It's funded by the federal LIHEAP block grant and by Nevada's Universal Energy Charge, a charge on utility bills. Eligible households get an annual, one-time benefit, usually paid directly to the energy company.
Program year: July 1 to June 30. DSS evaluates applications year-round or until funding runs out. The current year is FY 2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Apply early in the year.
Who qualifies
Per DSS, your household must:
meet citizenship criteria;
live in Nevada;
be at least partly responsible for heating or cooling costs, paid to a utility, fuel supplier, or landlord;
have gross monthly income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
FY 2027 maximum gross monthly income (DSS):
Household size | Maximum gross monthly income |
|---|---|
1 person | $1,995 |
2 people | $2,705 |
3 people | $3,415 |
4 people | $4,125 |
5 people | $4,835 |
6 people | $5,545 |
7 people | $6,255 |
8 people | $6,965 |
Each additional person | add $710 |
DSS defines a household as people, related or not, who live together and share a primary heating or electric source.
What to send
DSS lists:
☐ Proof of all income for every person in the household for at least the last 30 days
☐ Proof of identity for the head of household
☐ Proof of citizenship or legal status if born outside the U.S.
☐ Your most recent heating and cooling bills
☐ If the bill isn't in your name, a signed statement from the person on the bill authorizing you to apply, with their address and phone number.
☐ If your expenses are higher than your income, proof of how you're meeting your needs (help from family, for example)
Common reason for delays: Leaving out income for one household member, or leaving out the explanation when bills exceed income. Both are on DSS's list.
How to apply
Online, or with a paper application from the DSS Energy page. It's available in English and Spanish, with vision-impaired versions.
Pick up a paper application at any EAP office, Social Services office, the Customer Service Unit, or an intake site. DSS says intake sites will help you fill it out and mail it.
Turn it in by mail, fax, DSS drop box, DSS lobby, or email energyassistance@dss.nv.gov.
Already got help last year? DSS says prior-year recipients can't reapply until about 11 months after their last benefit.
Special EAP help for specific situations
DSS lists three special components. Ask your local EAP office about them:
Fast-Track: Faster processing if your energy service is in danger of being cut off and your household had an unexpected income loss of at least 15% in the last 2 to 5 months. Other criteria also apply.
Arrearage Payment: Help bringing past-due heating or cooling bills current, once every five years, when funding allows. Income must be at or below 150% of poverty. You can ask for it when you apply for the regular benefit or later.
Crisis Intervention: For households with a chronic or long-term illness and out-of-pocket medical costs whose income is over 150% of poverty. Documented medical costs must bring income down to the limit.
Part 2: NV Energy's Own Programs (Southern Nevada)
NV Energy's Southern Nevada assistance flyer lists these. Its help line on the flyer is 702-402-5555, and its help page is nvenergy.com/heretohelp.
Project REACH
Project REACH (Relief through Energy Assistance to Prevent Customer Hardships) is run by United Way of Southern Nevada. NV Energy says it serves residential customers 62 and older who meet income guidelines. Start at nvenergy.com/assistance.
Payment programs
These don't reduce your bill. They change when and how you pay:
Equal Pay: You pay the same amount every month, which avoids extreme-weather spikes.
FlexPay: Prepay as much as you want, when you want. NV Energy says there's no deposit, credit check, or late fees. Watch your balance closely. Prepaid service depends on keeping money on the account.
Select Your Due Date: Move your due date to line up with payday.
Free and discounted efficiency help for income-qualified customers
The flyer lists PowerShift services for customers who meet income requirements:
Qualified Appliance Replacement: Replaces select older, inefficient appliances for free, with free installation of other energy-saving products.
AC Tune-up: A free air-conditioning tune-up.
Air Conditioner Replacement: An instant discount on a qualifying new efficient AC unit.
Bundled Appointment: A free in-home energy assessment, a free smart thermostat, and free upgrades like LED bulbs, air filters, and smart power strips.
In Las Vegas, the AC is usually the biggest driver of a high bill. A tune-up or replacement can cut future bills.
Payment arrangements
If you can't pay in full, call NV Energy and ask for a payment arrangement before the shutoff date. Have your account number, the amount you can pay now, and your next payday ready. Ask whether a pending EAP application can be noted on the account.
In Las Vegas, the AC is usually the biggest driver of a high bill.
Part 3: Nevada Shutoff Protections
Nevada's Public Utilities Commission rules (NAC 704) limit when a utility can disconnect you for nonpayment.
Extreme-temperature postponement (NAC 704.375)
A utility must postpone a nonpayment shutoff during a "forecasted period of extreme temperature." That means any 24-hour period when the National Weather Service forecasts the following temperatures.
Southern Nevada (Nevada Power) electric customers:
Customer | Shutoff postponed when the NWS forecasts |
|---|---|
Most customers | 105°F or higher, or 15°F or lower |
Customers covered by the elderly/disability rule (NAC 704.390) | 103°F or higher, or 20°F or lower |
Elderly or disabled customers living in a mobile home built before January 1, 2000 | 100°F or higher |
Gas customers (any gas utility): 105°F or higher, or 15°F or lower.
Other limits (NAC 704.375)
No shutoffs on a weekend, a holiday, or the day before a weekend or holiday.
For customers with an advanced (smart) meter, an electric utility can disconnect only between 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
No shutoff for $100 or less owed on an electric account with an advanced meter. For other accounts the general limit is $50 or less.
Life support: A utility can't shut off service if it knows someone in the home is confined there, depends on a life-support device that needs the utility's service, and is likely to die without it. Tell NV Energy in writing if this applies, and keep proof.
Elderly and disabled households (NAC 704.390)
If you or someone in your home is elderly or has a disability, the utility must give notice at least 48 hours before a shutoff. For electric service it must be in person, meaning a representative visits and tries to reach you. Gas utilities can notify in person or by phone. The utility must also explain the information required in the shutoff notice. It must notify any agencies that have told it they'll help with your bill.
Make sure NV Energy knows someone in the home is elderly or disabled. These protections depend on it.
Order of Operations if You Get a Shutoff Notice
Check the date. Will it land on a weekend, a holiday, or during a heat or cold forecast? If so, it must be postponed.
Call NV Energy and ask for a payment arrangement.
Apply to EAP. If service is about to be cut off and your income recently dropped, ask about Fast-Track.
If you're 62+, ask about Project REACH.
Call 2-1-1 for other local help.
Once you're current, consider Equal Pay and an AC tune-up to prevent the next spike.
FAQ
What's the income limit for Nevada energy assistance in 2026–27? 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. For FY 2027 that's $1,995 a month for one person and $4,125 for four.
Can I get EAP every year? It's a once-a-year benefit. DSS says prior-year recipients can reapply about 11 months after their last benefit.
Can NV Energy shut off my power in a heat wave? Not for nonpayment during an NWS-forecast period of 105°F or higher in Southern Nevada. The limit is lower (103°F, or 100°F in older mobile homes) for elderly and disabled customers.
Is there help with past-due balances? EAP's Arrearage Payment component can help once every five years when funding allows. Project REACH helps customers 62 and older.
Does FlexPay require a deposit? NV Energy says no deposit, credit check, or late fees.
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK
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Official sources
Nevada DSS, Energy Assistance Program: https://www.dss.nv.gov/programs/energy/
Nevada DSS, EAP Eligibility Criteria: https://www.dss.nv.gov/programs/energy/eligibility-criteria/
Nevada DSS, EAP Apply: https://www.dss.nv.gov/programs/energy/apply-for-assistance/
Nevada DSS, Specialized Programs: https://www.dss.nv.gov/programs/energy/specialized-programs/
NV Energy, Southern Nevada Energy Bill Assistance Programs flyer: https://www.nvenergy.com/publish/content/dam/nvenergy/brochures_arch/account-services/assistance-programs/energy-assistance/South-Low-Income-Assistance-Flyer.pdf
NAC 704.375: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/nevada/NAC-704-375
NAC 704.390: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/nevada/NAC-704-390
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