Residential and business customers save energy and money as program’s popularity grows

New Orleans, La. – A year after its launch, the Energy Smart program has exceeded its original goals for energy savings and environmental benefits. At the end of March, Energy Smart had provided incentives to more than 8,500 customers and 80 businesses served by Entergy New Orleans, Inc., with total energy savings of more than 15 million kilowatt-hours of electricity — enough to power 1,300 homes for an entire year!

“We’ve learned that our customers are interested in finding more ways to manage energy costs and increase the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses,” said Charles L. Rice, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Entergy New Orleans. “Energy Smart provides New Orleans residents with practical and affordable solutions for energy efficiency upgrades that can add up to significant cost savings over time, helping them go green by saving energy, helping the environment, and saving money on their energy bill.”

The three-year program developed by the New Orleans City Council and administered by Entergy New Orleans was launched in April 2011. Energy Smart is a comprehensive energy efficiency plan — the first of its kind for any city in Louisiana.

“Ever since the Energy Smart program took off last year, we’ve seen the people of New Orleans grow more enthusiastic about saving energy, saving money and helping the environment,” said New Orleans City Council Utility Chairman Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell. “We’ve also seen a growth in our city’s ‘green’ workforce due to more than 60 local, qualified contractors performing the work that has helped in Energy Smart’s success. Our plan is to build on the success of the first year by continuing to promote the many advantages of Energy Smart and making sure more citizens reap the benefits.”

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, Energy Smart participants receive rebates for energy efficient improvements made through a qualified contractor. Business customers who invest in energy-efficient equipment can also qualify for rebates and 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, NOLA Wise Loan Program and federal and state tax credits.

To learn details about the programs or find Energy Smart participating contractors, call (866) 721-0249 toll free or visit the website at EnergySmartNOLA.info.

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