CARSON CITY, NV -
October 29, 2014A new Governor's Office of Energy program offers Nevada senior citizens a chance to reduce energy costs and make their homes more energy efficient.
The Home Energy Retrofit Opportunity for Seniors (HEROS) program pays for an energy assessment of a qualifying senior's home and the installation of recommended weatherization measures at no cost.
"The HEROS program offers Nevada's low-income seniors a way to save money, conserve energy, and live in healthier, safer homes," Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval announced today at a ceremony to launch the program.
The HEROS program was conceived and funded by GOE as a way to serve Nevada's senior population. Nevada Housing Division administers the program through a network of non-profit service provider agencies in Nevada. Each agency retains local contractors with trained crews who install up to $6,000 worth of energy conservation measures.
HEROS has four general requirements. The senior must:
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Be aged 60 and better,
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Be an NV Energy customer,
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Have an income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines,
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Own and reside in their home.
"A major goal of the Office of Energy is to promote energy conservation in Nevada," GOE Director Paul Thomsen explained. "The HEROS program does that by funding measures that will save energy at the homes of low-income seniors."
In addition to the energy and cost benefits to having a more energy efficient home, the assessment tests can save lives by identifying dangerous carbon monoxide levels. The program's benefits to seniors are many, diverse, and free.
"This is an amazing opportunity for Nevada seniors to realize immediate monthly cost savings," said CJ Manthe, Housing Division Administrator. "Qualified homeowners can be assured that the services provided by our nonprofit partners under the HEROS program do not involve any out of pocket expenses, hidden costs or fees."
Those interested in HEROS who meet these qualifications should contact one of the following agencies:
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HELP of Southern Nevada (serving City of Las Vegas and southern rural Clark County) at (702) 369-4357.
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City of Henderson Neighborhood Services (serving City of Henderson) at (702) 267-2000.
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Las Vegas Clark County Urban League (serving City of North Las Vegas and northern rural Clark County) at (702) 636-3949.
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Community Services Agency (serving Washoe County) at (775) 786-6023.
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Nevada Rural Housing Authority (serving Carson, Douglas, Lyon and Storey Counties) at (775) 887-1795.
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Rural Nevada Development Corporation (serving Churchill, Elko, Esmerelda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Mineral, Nye, Pershing and
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About the Governor's Office of Energy
The Governor’s Office of Energy oversees energy programs required through statute and those that help to meet the mission of the office, which is to ensure the wise development of Nevada’s energy resources in harmony with local community economic needs and Nevada natural resources. For more information about GOE, please visit energy.nv.gov.
About the Nevada Housing Division
The Nevada Housing Division was created by the Nevada Legislature in 1975, when it was recognized that a shortage of safe, decent, and sanitary housing existed throughout the State for low- and moderate-income Nevadans. Their mission is to improve quality of life by providing affordable housing opportunities. For more information about NHD, please visit
www.housing.nv.gov.