Energy-efficiency
tips are keys to lower-cost comfort as temperatures drop across the area
NEW ORLEANS, La. – When most New
Orleanians think of high energy bills, they naturally think of summer, when air
conditioners run seemingly non-stop to fight the heat. But colder temperatures
can also lead to increased energy use, which in turn can result in bills that
are higher than expected.
Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and Entergy
Louisiana, LLC remind customers that a little conservation, a few lifestyle
changes and some savvy bill management can go a long way toward controlling
energy costs when combating the cold.
“Saving on energy costs doesn’t have
to mean giving up on comfort,” said Melonie Hall, director of customer service
for Entergy New Orleans. “There are many simple do-it-yourself projects that
help protect against the chill of the winter – as well as the heat of the summer
– while also helping keep a lid on energy bills."
Top Five Energy Savers:
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Adjust the thermostat. During
winter months, grab a sweater or a blanket to stay toasty, and set the
thermostat to 68 degrees. Every degree higher can add 3 percent to your
bill.
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Conserve hot water. Wrap your
electric water heater with a water heater blanket and set the thermostat to
120 degrees or medium.
-
Replace air and furnace filters
every 30 days or as required by the type of filter.
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When you change your light bulbs,
replace them with energy-efficient models. Entergy recommends Energy
Star-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs that use 70 percent less
energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
-
Seal air leaks. Weatherstrip
around doors, windows and any location where there may be a path between the
inside and outside of your home.
Customers can find more tips, as well
as clear, do-it-yourself videos, to help put these ideas to work at
entergyneworleans.com/savemoney.
Entergy also offers ways to help
customers manage their bills year-round, including such options as Level Billing
and Pick-A-Date. With level billing, enrolled customers’ bills are averaged over
a rolling 12-month period, so they are about the same amount each month.
Pick-A-Date allows customers to choose the date each month that their bill is
due, which is a great way for customers to match the due date to their income
schedule.
Seniors’ health can be particularly
susceptible to extreme temperatures, so it is important for them to stay safely
warm in winter. For the elderly and disabled who may be in crisis, Entergy
offers The Power to Care, a program that partners with statewide Councils on
Aging to help pay energy bills for those who qualify.
Low income Louisianans may also
qualify for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps
qualifying people pay energy bills and other energy-related expenses. For
information on how to apply for assistance, call 1-888-454-2001.
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Entergy
Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. serve more than one million customers across
Louisiana. With operations in southern, central and northeastern Louisiana, the
companies are part of Entergy Corporation’s electric system serving 2.8 million
customers in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.
Entergy New Orleans, Inc. is an electric and gas utility serving Orleans Parish and is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. . The company provides electricity to more than 160,000 customers and natural gas to more than 100,000 customers in Orleans Parish.
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entergylouisiana.com
entergyneworleans.com
Twitter: @EntergyLA
Twitter: @EntergyNOLA
