Taking simple steps to reduce energy use can help keep bills lower

Baton Rouge, La. – Summer time in Louisiana means hotter weather, which is great for cookouts, snow cones and swimming pools. But those rising temperatures can also lead to higher-than-normal energy bills.

As the dog days of summer bear down on the South, Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., are sharing energy savings tips and billing options that can help customers manage their electricity costs.

“Raising your thermostat to 78 degrees and sealing ductwork, caulking and weather-stripping are simple steps that will reduce the amount of electricity needed to keep your home cool and comfortable,” said Steven Scheurich, vice president of customer service for the two Entergy companies. “This will help keep energy bills lower.”

Another service that can help customers manage their utility budget during times of high electricity usage is Level Billing. Level Billing calculates a customer’s previous 12-month billing history and allows customers to pay about the same amount each month.

Although fuel prices are relatively low and stable, average customer electricity use increases about 35 percent in mid-summer before it begins to decrease in September. “Level billing can help prevent seasonally high bills for customers that result from higher energy use during hot weather,” Scheurich said. “Customers will pay about the same amount each month for electricity. This can help families better predict and manage their energy budget.”

For more information about Level Billing, visit Entergy Louisiana’s website at entergy-louisiana.com. The website also has more information about the simple steps that customers can take to help reduce how much electricity they use each month, such as:

• Raise your thermostat, lower your bill—Air conditioning can account for up to 55 percent of an average home’s monthly bill. Raise thermostats to 78 degrees during warmer months to reduce electricity use as much as 20 percent.

• Get Your Ducts in a Row—Sealing duct work, caulking and weather stripping are easy ways to reduce electrical consumption. Seal places where electrical, plumbing or heating systems come into your home. Caulk or weather-strip around doors, windows and wall seams, and add insulating gaskets on all electrical outlets and switches.

• Keep Your Cool—Use ceiling or box fans to circulate cool air and feel more comfortable.

Entergy Louisiana also assists elderly and disabled low-income customers through its customer assistance fund, The Power to Care. The fund is administered by the area Councils on Aging and funded by Entergy employees, customers and shareholders. To find out how to get assistance, or to contribute to the fund, visit entergy-louisiana.com or check the donation box on your monthly bill.

Entergy’s Louisiana utility companies serve more than one million customers through the operating companies Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. With operations in southern, central and northeastern Louisiana, the companies are part of Entergy Corporation’s electric system serving 2.7 million customers in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.

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