Entergy provides $3M to help vulnerable customers "Beat the Heat" and save money this summer

Rhea-AI Summary

Entergy has donated $3 million to help low-income customers become more energy efficient and save money on their bills during the severe summer heat. Through the 'Beat the Heat' program, customers received bill payment assistance, fans, energy efficiency kits, home weatherization, and support from local community partners. The company also launched Single Stop, a free program connecting households in need with financial assistance.

Key initiatives include:

• Donating over $2.8 million to The Power to Care program
• Providing 3 million customers access to Single Stop
• Awarding $83,250 in grants for free resources
• Distributing 3,900 free electric fans
• Weatherproofing over 200 low-income homes

Entergy offers various energy efficiency and bill help programs, including the Bill Toolkit website, myAdvisor for usage tracking, and Level Billing for consistent monthly bills.

Positive

• Donated $3 million to help low-income customers with energy efficiency
• Provided 3 million customers with free access to Single Stop, identifying $61 million in potential financial aid
• Awarded $83,250 in grants for free resources like fans and weatherization kits
• Distributed 3,900 free electric fans and 900 energy efficiency kits
• Weatherproofed over 200 low-income homes

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Entergy's $3M donation for customer assistance, while commendable, is unlikely to significantly impact the company's financial performance. With annual revenues exceeding $10 billion, this represents less than 0.03% of yearly income. However, it may yield long-term benefits in customer retention and regulatory goodwill.

The program's focus on energy efficiency could lead to reduced demand, potentially affecting future revenues. Yet, this might be offset by improved customer relations and reduced bad debt expenses. The Single Stop initiative, identifying $61 million in potential aid for customers, could indirectly benefit Entergy by ensuring more reliable bill payments.

Investors should view this as a strategic move to enhance brand value and customer loyalty rather than a direct financial driver. It's a proactive approach to address energy affordability concerns, which could mitigate regulatory risks in rate-setting processes.

Energy Policy Expert

Entergy's "Beat the Heat" program aligns with growing regulatory and public pressure on utilities to address energy affordability and efficiency. This proactive approach may help Entergy navigate the complex landscape of energy policy and regulation more smoothly.

The focus on weatherization and energy efficiency kits demonstrates a commitment to demand-side management, a key aspect of modern utility strategies. By helping customers reduce consumption, Entergy is potentially reducing peak demand, which could defer costly infrastructure investments.

The Single Stop program is particularly innovative, leveraging technology to connect customers with broader financial resources. This holistic approach to customer well-being could become a model for other utilities, potentially positioning Entergy as an industry leader in customer care and social responsibility.

Through energy bill assistance and essential resources, Entergy has helped customers in need stay safe during the severe summer heat

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With soaring high temperatures this summer, Entergy donated $3 million to help its low-income customers become more energy efficient and save money on their energy bills. Through Entergy's "Beat the Heat" program, customers received bill payment assistance, fans, energy efficiency kits, home weatherization and invaluable support from local community partners. The company also launched Single Stop, a free program that helps households in need access financial assistance and more.

"We are deeply committed to empowering our customers, especially during challenging times like the summer heat," said Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy's vice president of corporate social responsibility. "Through our 'Beat the Heat' program and our partnerships with local organizations, we're helping our neighbors stay safe, cool and reduce their energy expenses. We're proud to provide ongoing support to those who need it most in the communities we serve."

For 23 years, Entergy has partnered with local organizations across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas to ease the burden of hot summer temperatures resulting in increased usage and higher energy costs for our most vulnerable customers. Year after year, this collaborative program provides customers with energy bill assistance, tools and resources, and support during the critical summer months. Through this program the company:

• Donated more than $2.8 million in funds from Entergy shareholders, employees and customers to The Power to Care program, which provides energy bill assistance to older adults and customers with disabilities.
   
• Provided 3 million customers with free access to Single Stop, an online resource that connects households in need with financial assistance and more. More than 8,000 Entergy customers completed the Single Stop screening, which identified more than $61 million in potential financial aid and other resources.
   
• Awarded more than $83,250 in grants to vulnerable customers to provide free resources like electric fans and home weatherization kits.
   
• Donated $25,000 to local organizations that weatherized homes for customers in need.
   
• Held Entergy Navigators fairs in underserved communities, providing customers with assistance and resources to help manage their bills, energy efficiency kits, pro bono legal aid, Kids to College savings accounts and more.
   
• Provided more than 3,900 free electric fans to help customers beat high temperatures and save on electricity bills throughout the summer.
   
• Distributed over 900 energy efficiency kits to customers. The kits included money-saving LED lightbulbs, advanced power strips, bathroom faucet aerators and V-seal weatherstripping.
  
  
• Over 200 low-income homes were weatherproofed during neighborhood sweeps that were held in select, underserved communities.

Savings programs and bill help

Entergy offers several energy efficiency and bill help programs, including:

• Our newly launched Bill Toolkit website connects customers to bill management, energy efficiency and financial assistance resources. This new resource helps customers explore simple ways they can lower their electricity use and costs.
   
• The Power to Care program provides emergency bill payment help to older adults and customers with disabilities.
   
• Our partnership with Single Stop helps build pathways out of poverty by connecting our customers to available resources in a one-stop site. Single Stop makes it easy for customers to check if they qualify for financial assistance and connects them with opportunities for education, counseling, training and support.
   
• myAdvisor lets customers track their energy usage and alerts them on how much power they use each day.
   
• Level Billing allows customers to "level out" spikes in seasonal energy use, making their energy bills more consistent every month.
   
• Payment arrangements for customers needing flexibility with paying their energy bill.

Entergy is dedicated to ensuring all customers have access to the resources and support they need to stay safe and comfortable year-round. To learn more about our customer assistance programs, visit billtoolkit.entergy.com.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We're investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

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SOURCE Entergy Corporation

FAQ

What is Entergy's 'Beat the Heat' program?

Entergy's 'Beat the Heat' program is an initiative that provides bill payment assistance, fans, energy efficiency kits, home weatherization, and support from local community partners to help low-income customers become more energy efficient and save money on their energy bills during severe summer heat.

How much did Entergy donate to help customers with energy costs in 2024?

In 2024, Entergy donated $3 million to help its low-income customers become more energy efficient and save money on their energy bills during the severe summer heat.

What is Single Stop and how does it help Entergy customers?

Single Stop is a free program launched by Entergy that helps households in need access financial assistance and other resources. It connects customers to available resources in a one-stop site, making it easy for them to check if they qualify for financial assistance and other opportunities.

How many free electric fans did Entergy distribute in their summer assistance program?

Entergy distributed more than 3,900 free electric fans to help customers beat high temperatures and save on electricity bills throughout the summer.

What is the Power to Care program offered by Entergy?

The Power to Care program is an Entergy initiative that provides emergency bill payment help to older adults and customers with disabilities.