Moapa Valley Progress
Overton Power District (OPD) officials presented checks totaling $2,443 to school officials last week, in both the Moapa Valley and the Virgin Valley for use in local school programs. The funds came from the district’s Round Up For Education program which is now beginning its third year.
The program was instituted by the OPD Board of Directors in 2014. It is fully funded on an entirely voluntary basis by ratepayers. OPD customers in both communities opt in to the program and agree to round their power bills up to the nearest dollar each month. This contributes an average of about 50 cents per month into the program.
“Ratepayers can opt-in to the program simply by asking one of our customer service representatives, in person or by phone,” said OPD Public Affairs Specialist Keith Buchhalter. “They can just specify whether the additional small-change donation made each month will go to school programs in Virgin Valley or in Moapa Valley.”
Customers can opt in to the program at any time.
Over the past year, the Moapa Valley ratepayers pulled ahead of their Virgin Valley counterparts in their participation in the program. Moapa Valley participation increased considerably from 150 customers in 2015 to 234 customers in 2016.
A check for $1,332.23 was presented to Moapa Valley High School Assistant Principal Pledger Solomon on Monday night last week at the MVHS Booster Club’s annual All Sports Kickoff event.
In Virgin Valley the total number of participants into the program decreased from 225 customers in 2015 to 184 customers this year. The monthly small-change donations over the past year were accumulated into a check for $1,110.97. The check was presented to the Virgin Valley High School Principal Cliff Hughes on August 24.
All of these funds are administered by school committees in each Valley. The committees decide how the funds are to be divided in supporting education and athletic programs.
“Round Up for Education is a great way to support your local schools,” said OPD General Manager Mendis Cooper. “OPD administers the program free and 100% of the funds collected are donated to the school of your choice. I hope everyone will consider joining the Round Up for Education Program.”
