On Friday, October 30th, NV Energy will close its only office in Laughlin.
That's causing widespread concern among a lot of disadvantaged people who can't can't use the only options left.
NV Energy is closing the office to help streamline its operations, but that branch streamlined the way a lot of disadvantaged people in Laughlin do business with the power company.
They say now, they're facing some major troubles ahead.
Fred Patten is one of dozens of disabled or elderly people on a fixed income in Laughlin who feel that when NV closes the doors at its only office in the city, it closes the door on them.
Action News Reporter, Steve Ryan: "How important is it to be able to negotiate your bill with NV Energy, especially in summer months?"
Fred Patten: "It's very important, because that way you know for sure what you have to do."
A lot of disadvantaged people like Fred are so concerned by the closure, they're turning to Penny Renfro at the River Cities United Way.
"The number one reason for phone calls to charities in this entire region now is for energy assistance," says Penny.
But those charities are also struggling financially, and the United Way can't help everyone now.
NV Energy issued Action News a statement saying only:
"Our customers in Laughlin can pay their bill online, or they can always make a payment at any of the two Shop and Pay locations. If a customer needs to make a payment arrangement, they can call our customer service."
But a lot of disadvataged people in Laughlin don't have phone or internet service.
NV Energy urges them to go to the senior center or library, where those services are free, but in Fred's case, and so many others', that's not easy.
"It would be very inconvenient, because you'd have to take a bus or something, and that'd be just about impossible," says Fred.
As is paying an increasingly high energy bill on a fixed income.
NV Energy does have assistance programs, including one called "Reach," but that only takes care of one bill for qualified customers, one time.
