Entergy Visits Capitol Hill To Support LIHEAP Action Day

Rhea-AI Summary

Entergy Corporation participated in LIHEAP Action Day on February 15 and 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C., advocating for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Partnering with four action agencies, Entergy met with 24 congressional offices to highlight the importance of LIHEAP for low-income households facing rising energy costs, especially due to extreme weather and inflation. In Entergy's service areas, approximately 3.84 million households are eligible for LIHEAP, but only about 12% receive assistance. The company continues to host outreach events to increase LIHEAP awareness and support applications for energy assistance.

Positive

• Engagement in LIHEAP Action Day enhances community relations and advocacy for low-income assistance.
• Collaboration with four action agencies showcases a strong partnership approach to policymaking.

Negative

• Only 12% of eligible households in Entergy's service areas receive LIHEAP assistance, indicating significant unmet needs.
• Rising energy costs due to inflation and extreme weather conditions could strain customer finances further.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2023 / Entergy Corporation:

On Feb. 15 and 16, Entergy joined advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C., for LIHEAP Action Day, a national effort to engage and educate policymakers about the critical need for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. This initiative is organized by the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition.

During LIHEAP Action Day, Entergy partnered with four action agencies, which strengthened the initiative's success as they advocated to key policymakers on behalf of our vulnerable communities. They spent the day meeting with members of Congress, including U.S. Senators John Boozman of Arkansas and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, educating them about LIHEAP's critical service that helps low-income households afford utility costs. In total, Entergy visited 24 House and Senate offices, reinforcing how powerful these funds can be in the lives of our customers.

"LIHEAP provides energy assistance for eligible families surviving on a limited or fixed income," said Patty Riddlebarger, vice president of corporate social responsibility. "Funding is crucial especially with a rise in energy costs due to extreme weather conditions, high inflation and interest rates."

According to the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition, the number of households eligible for LIHEAP in the states where Entergy has residential customers total:

• 326,000 in Arkansas.
• 594,000 in Louisiana.
• 337,000 in Mississippi.
• 2,583,000 in Texas.

"Despite the large number of customers eligible for assistance, Entergy's service area states are only able to serve about 12 percent of these households. We travel to the nation's capital representing families who are unable to receive assistance due to insufficient funding. Without LIHEAP, many must choose between buying food or medicine and paying their electric bill," said Liz Brister, manager of low-income programs.

Throughout the year, Entergy hosts multiple outreach events with community partners to increase awareness and support our customers with the LIHEAP application process. To learn more about LIHEAP and other energy assistance programs, visit entergy.com/billhelp.

Entergy employees and advocates participate in LIHEAP Action Day in Washington, D.C.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Entergy Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Entergy Corporation
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/entergy-corporation
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Entergy Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/743118/Entergy-Visits-Capitol-Hill-To-Support-LIHEAP-Action-Day

FAQ

What is Entergy's involvement in LIHEAP Action Day 2023?

Entergy participated in LIHEAP Action Day on February 15 and 16, 2023, advocating for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

How many households in Entergy's service areas are eligible for LIHEAP?

Approximately 3.84 million households are eligible for LIHEAP in Entergy's service areas.

What percentage of eligible households receive LIHEAP assistance in Entergy's areas?

Only about 12% of eligible households in Entergy's service areas are receiving LIHEAP assistance.

Why is LIHEAP funding crucial according to Entergy?

LIHEAP funding is crucial due to rising energy costs from extreme weather and inflation, which affects low-income families.

What actions does Entergy take to support LIHEAP?

Entergy hosts outreach events throughout the year to raise awareness and assist customers with the LIHEAP application process.