As temperatures rise across the state, Entergy Arkansas is helping customers get ahead of the heat through Entergy Solutions programs that identify energy waste and make homes more efficient.

Recently, in Pine Bluff, Entergy Solutions partnered with trade ally Lighting Energy Distributions to perform weatherization improvements in several homes throughout the community while educating residents about ways to help lower energy use and improve affordability.

“A lot of people do not know about our programs even though we advertise and try to get the word out,” said Denice Jeter, Entergy Arkansas energy efficiency manager. “This brings us into the community where the people are and gives them the personal education that they need.”

Through the Home Energy Solutions program, homeowners can receive energy-saving products and services—at no additional cost. It’s designed to identify problems and opportunities for savings many homeowners may never notice on their own.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to offer these programs for our customers because we are trying to help them reduce energy use and make their bills more affordable,” Jeter said.

Barbara Smith has owned her home for 37 years and was one of the customers who received improvements. Smith said she initially learned about the program from her niece.

“My niece called me and said, ‘Aunt Barbara, somebody is checking out my house and you’d be surprised at the things they’re finding. You need to call this number,’” Smith said. “So I made the call.”

Once crews inspected the home, they quickly discovered several sources of energy loss.

“This house had a lot of leakage around the windows, plumbing penetration as well as the fireplace,” said David David, owner of Lighting Energy Distributions. “The pull-down ladder from the attic, so much air was coming down there.”

Crews repaired damaged ductwork, sealed air leaks, installed smart thermostats and added insulation to help the home stay cooler during the summer months.

“By the time we’re done, they are definitely going to see some savings on their Entergy bill,” David said.

The work supports Entergy Arkansas’s Next Generation Arkansas vision, which includes affordability as one of its key pillars. Entergy Arkansas’s rates are currently 22% below the national average, and the company plans to continue finding ways to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and offer innovative bill solutions to keep power affordable for all customers.

For Smith, who is retired and lives on a fixed income, the experience changed the way she thinks about home efficiency.

“It’s been an eye opener for us,” Smith said. “I thought we were doing good by getting our filters changed before summer and before winter. I thought that was it, but that’s not nearly it.”

As crews made improvements, Smith said she became increasingly surprised by the issues they uncovered.

“As much work as they are doing, it should make a difference,” she said. “I didn’t know we were in this bad of a shape.”

By the time the work was complete, Smith said she was grateful not only for the upgrades but also for the opportunity to learn more about her home.

“What they are doing in my house, I think it’s excellent,” Smith said. “The entire community will know about it because I am going to be spreading it.”

By bringing energy efficiency programs directly into communities, Entergy Arkansas is helping customers prepare for the demands of summer while providing tools that can reduce energy waste, improve comfort and support long-term affordability.

To be eligible for the Home Energy Solutions program you must be a current Entergy Arkansas residential customer (renter or owner) who:

• Lives in a single-family home.

• Lives in a home that is at least one year old and has a ducted HVAC system.

To be eligible for the Home Energy Assessment, your home must be at least 10 years old or have a peak energy bill of at least $0.10 per square foot. For example, if you have a 1,200 square foot home, your peak energy bill would be $120 or more.

If you’re ready to lower your energy costs and make your home more comfortable, contact the Entergy Arkansas Entergy Solutions team for more information by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-866-627-9177.

Entergy Solutions also offers programs for manufactured homes, multifamily homes, large commercial and industrial and businesses. To learn more about programs for all customers, visit entergysolutionsar.com.