Big Bear Lake, CA — Families and individuals who could use financial assistance with utility bills can start readying the paperwork, as Bear Valley Electric Service will be hosting HEAP application processing next week. Starting next Thursday morning, April 22 at 9am, 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.
The HEAP application processing opportunity on the 22nd will coincide with Bear Valley Electric’s Earth Day celebration, which runs from 11am to 2pm. Attendees can participate in power plant tours and interactive displays, while also enjoying free hot dogs and popcorn while visiting booths hosted by the Department of Water and Power, the Big Bear City Community Services District, San Bernardino County and Southwest Gas. Bear Valley Electric also invites those attending the Earth Day celebration to bring in old light bulbs (up to four) to exchange for free, energy efficient bulbs. Questions on next Thursday’s HEAP processing and Earth Day event can be directed to Bear Valley Electric at 866-4678.
