Media Contact: Karl Walquist (775) 834-3891

or Faye Andersen (775) 834-4882

Customers seeking assistance with utility bills or information on how to make their homes more energy efficient are invited to attend Sierra Pacific Power's Energy Assistance Expo on Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the company's Reno office building on Neil Road*.  The purpose of the Expo is to provide a one-stop location for customers who meet certain income guidelines to discuss available assistance with various community agencies."There are several programs available to assist customers, such as Sierra Pacific's Special Assistance Fund for Energy,"said Karen Ross, community relations manager for Sierra Pacific. "Our goal in bringing several agencies together for the Expo is to make it easier for customers to learn what assistance programs are available and if they qualify."Over 20 agencies are sending representatives to the event.

Who:   Sierra Pacific Power and agencies, including:
RSVP of Washoe County, Salvation Army, United Way of Northern Nevada, Washoe County School District Family Resource Center, Washoe County Senior Services, Washoe County Social Services, Access to Healthcare Network, Care Chest, Catholic Community Services, Children's Cabinet, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Health Access Washoe County, Nevada Cancer Institute, Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living& Nevada ADRC, Project MANA, Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center, American Red Cross, Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection, City of Reno, Community Services Agency, Nevada Housing Division, Nevada Rural Housing Authority, Truckee Meadows Water Authority
 
What:  Energy Assistance Expo

Where:  Sierra Pacific Power Company , 6100 Neil Road, Reno

When:  Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.

Why: To bring together in one location community and other organizations in order to provide customers easier access to utility bill assistance. Customers will need to supply documentation such as identification and income verification.

*Event entrance is located off Delucchi Lane and is identified as the company's employee entrance.