Program helps Entergy New Orleans customers save money and helps the environment

New Orleans, La. – Since its launch in April, the Energy Smart program in New Orleans has saved more than 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and prevented the emission of nearly 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide.

In addition to energy savings, customers have been receiving rebates and incentives by investing in ENERGY STAR air conditioners, AC tune-ups, energy assessments and other programs to increase efficiency, awareness and lower costs. By the end of August, almost 2,200 Entergy New Orleans residential electric customers in addition to a number of commercial customers have participated in Energy Smart.

One of those customers is Nadia Webb, who added insulation to her home this summer and had duct leaks sealed. The Energy Smart improvements resulted in a significant drop in energy costs for her older home, which was difficult to keep cool during the summer — even with two air-conditioning units.

“The improvements from Energy Smart cut our monthly cooling bill significantly, and with the rebate and energy savings, the work we had done was almost free. The Energy Smart program is beyond a bargain. If everybody in New Orleans would do this, they’d be much happier!”

Greta Joseph also noticed a drop in energy bills over the summer after insulation was added beneath the flooring of her home as part of Energy Smart.

“We live in an older home that tends to stay hotter in summer and colder in winter,” she said. “Now the temperature stays more in the middle, where we like it. And if the air is running, it’s not escaping. We’re looking into insulating the attic in the future.”

Developed by the New Orleans City Council and administered by Entergy New Orleans, Energy Smart is a comprehensive energy efficiency plan with several different programs such as energy audits, high-performance A/C tune-ups, ceiling and wall insulation, duct and home leakage sealing, solar water heating and installation of compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Business customers in New Orleans who invest in energy-efficient equipment — lighting, air conditioners, heat pumps, electric chillers, food service equipment and more — can also qualify for rebates. In addition, they can take advantage of Energy Smart resources such as consultative energy services, energy assessments, and financial incentives for projects that improve the electric energy efficiency of their facilities.

Participation in Energy Smart may be combined with other financial incentives available in New Orleans, including Empower Louisiana, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the NOLA Wise Loan Program and federal and state tax credits. Funding is limited, and incentives are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

To learn details about the programs or find Energy Smart participating contractors, call (866) 721-0249 toll free, visit the website at EnergySmartNOLA.info or visit the Energy Smart Information Center located in the Entergy New Orleans Customer Care Center at 3400 Canal St.

-30-
EnergySmartNOLA.info
Twitter: @EnergySmartNOLA