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The Special Assistance Fund for Energy (SAFE) has over a dozen recycling bins placed throughout Reno and Sparks. The revenue gained through this recycling goes directly to SAFE and is matched dollar for dollar by Sierra Pacific shareholders.
The bins recently received a face lift, and are now shiny, white and easy to notice. Sierra thanks The Sign Service, located in Sparks, for their generous support in printing the signs for these bins.
The SAFE program distributes funds through local social service agencies to help needy families and individuals pay their energy bills. Allowing these agencies to distribute the funds ensures that help goes to those most in need.
"By using community agencies to distribute SAFE funds, we know the people who need assistance the most will get it," said Belia Davis, customer service administrator at Sierra Pacific. She added that the agencies can address a variety of basic needs by also helping people with food, rent and other necessities.
In addition to the public newspaper recycling bins, Sierra Pacific recycles other materials such as cardboard and office paper used in daily operations and donates the revenue received to SAFE.
Another way to contribute to SAFE Sierra Pacific customers can also contribute to the SAFE program by pledging money through their power bills. Donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by shareholders up to $125,000. Customers have two donation options: They can donate though a monthly pledge, or they can add an amount to their power bill and designate that additional money toward SAFE. Donations can be made at any time by writing a check payable to SAFE and sending it to Sierra Pacific Power Company, P.O. Box 10100, Reno, NV 89520.
In 1997, 2,136 customers were assisted through this fund thanks to the contributions from Sierra Pacific employees and customers. Some $228,365 was disbursed to those in need of energy assistance. For more information on the SAFE program please call Belia Davis at (775) 834-3423.
