Big Bear, Ca, January 17, 2011, 8:00am – Bear Valley Electric Service is once again offering HEAP assistance application processing scheduled for Monday, January 24th, so families and individuals who could use financial assistance with utility bills can start readying the paperwork. Starting Monday morning at 9:30am, applications for HEAP, which stands for the Home Energy Assistance Program, will be accepted for the first 30 in line, another 20 applications will be processed at 1pm at the BVES offices, located at 42020 Garstin Drive in Big Bear Lake. HEAP is offered to low-income families, and those who qualify receive financial aid to pay for utility bills, for gas service, electric or propane. Those applying for HEAP are asked to bring the following: current gas and electric bills or, for propane, a current invoice with account number; rental agreement or mortgage statement; California picture ID and Social Security card; and employment verification, including pay stubs for all prior 30-day periods, for all household members. There is also Emergency HEAP utility assistance for Bear Valley Electric customers who have received a final call or shut-off notice. Bear Valley Electric also wants to remind customers that if they have already received assistance in 2010 they can not apply this month, as HEAP has not yet been funded for 2011, and is still working with those that need assistance with 2010 bills. For more information, BVES asks that you call 723-1500.