Overton Power District officials last week presented checks totaling $2,395 to school officials in both the Moapa Valley and the Virgin Valley for use in local school programs. The checks were the first installment paid out from the district’s new “Round-up for Education” program which was instituted by the OPD Board of Directors in 2014.

OPD officials present check to VVHS staff. Submitted photo

OPD officials present check to VVHS staff. Submitted photo

“Round-up for Education” is a program where OPD ratepayers in both valleys can voluntarily agree to round their monthly power bill balance up to the next highest dollar figure. Ratepayers can opt-in to the program simply by asking one of our customer service representatives, in person or by phone, and specify whether the additional small-change donation made each month will go to school programs in Virgin Valley or in Moapa Valley.

In Virgin Valley, the program saw a total of 225 ratepayers sign up to participate. Their monthly small-change donations over the past year were accumulated into a check for $1,550 which was presented to local school administrators. In Virgin Valley, these funds are administered by a committee who divides the proceeds up among the community’s four schools to be used in various education and athletic programs.

OPD presents Moapa Valley's cut of benefits to MVHS staff. Submitted photo

OPD presents Moapa Valley’s cut of benefits to MVHS staff. Submitted photo

The Moapa Valley had a total of 150 customers sign up to participate in the program. A check for $895 was presented to Moapa Valley High School officials. These funds, also administered by a school committee, are divided up to be used in various organizations and programs at the school.

“I feel like the program has been a success thus far,” said OPD General Manager Mendis Cooper. “We were able to give over $2,000 back to the community and that is pretty significant. But I feel like that
amount could be even greater if more people knew about the program and opted into it. Donating less than a dollar per month per household isn’t a big deal for most people. But strength is in numbers. If most people in our communities chose to opt-in, there would be a lot less of a need for our kids to go out and do fundraisers for their school activities and programs. So we hope that this great program will continue to catch on in both communities.”