Nevada Utilities and Public Safety

Nevada Utilities and Public Safety (For Locals)

For Nevada residents, understanding how to manage basic utilities and stay informed about public safety is essential—especially in a state where weather, wildfire risk, and distance can impact services. This guide includes practical info on electricity, water, internet, emergency alerts, and local law enforcement across urban and rural communities.

Electricity and Natural Gas

• NV Energy provides electricity to most of Nevada, including Las Vegas, Reno, and many rural areas.

 * Customers can sign up for MyAccount to monitor usage, pay bills, and receive outage notifications.
 * Time-of-use plans and solar net metering options are available for eligible customers.
 

• Southwest Gas serves much of southern and parts of northern Nevada for natural gas delivery.

• In smaller towns or remote areas, rural electric cooperatives such as Valley Electric Association and Mt. Wheeler Power provide service.

Water and Sewer Services

• Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) manages water supply for Las Vegas and surrounding areas, while individual cities handle billing and delivery.
• Northern Nevada residents are served by providers such as Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) in the Reno–Sparks region.
• Many rural residents use private wells and septic systems, with testing and permitting handled by county health departments.

Trash & Recycling

• Municipal solid waste is typically contracted through companies like Republic Services (Las Vegas, Henderson) and Waste Management (Reno, Sparks).
• Some counties operate their own landfills or transfer stations, especially in rural areas. Check with local governments for pickup schedules and recycling guidelines.

Internet, Cable & Phone

• Major providers include:

 * Cox Communications (Las Vegas)
 * Spectrum (Reno, Sparks, and parts of rural Nevada)
 * AT&T and T-Mobile for wireless and home internet
 * Starlink and other satellite services in remote areas

• High-speed internet access may be limited in rural communities. The state is actively investing in broadband expansion through federal and state initiatives.

Emergency Services and Alerts

• Dial 911 for emergencies. Response times vary significantly between urban and rural counties.
• Non-emergency numbers are available through local sheriff or police department websites.
• Nevada participates in the **Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)** for weather alerts, evacuation notices, and AMBER alerts.
• Sign up for county-specific emergency alerts:

 * CodeRED (used in Washoe and other counties)
 * Everbridge (used in Clark County and others)

Fire and Wildfire Preparedness

• Nevada has both municipal fire departments and regional volunteer agencies.
• Rural counties coordinate with the Nevada Division of Forestry for wildfire prevention and suppression.
• Wildfire season typically runs from May through October. Residents in high-risk zones should:

 * Create defensible space
 * Prepare “go bags”
 * Register for evacuation alerts
 * Review the state’s Wildfire Evacuation Guide

Law Enforcement & Public Safety Agencies

• Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP): Oversees traffic safety and enforcement on highways statewide.
• County Sheriff's Offices: Handle law enforcement in unincorporated areas. Some, like Elko and Nye, also manage local jails and emergency dispatch.
• City Police Departments: Serve municipalities such as Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sparks, Henderson, and others.
• Nevada Division of Emergency Management: Coordinates state-level disaster response and readiness.

Utility Assistance Programs

For residents experiencing hardship:

• The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with energy bills during summer and winter months.
• Many utility companies offer flexible payment plans or senior/disability discounts.
• Local nonprofits and county social services can also provide rent and utility assistance.