Cooler temperatures are here in our region, meaning some customers are turning on heaters to take the chill out of the air. Producing heat requires a lot of electricity, which can drive up your energy usage and bills.

Entergy Arkansas customers who need help paying their winter utility bills can apply now for up to $475 in assistance through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program’s regular assistance application period runs Jan. 6 through the end of March, officials said, or until funds are expended while crisis assistance applications will be accepted through April 30.

Hurricane season came to an official end on the last day of November and cooler temps are starting to arrive.

As winter approaches, heating systems will start running full blast, causing a spike in energy usage. However, staying warm and comfortable doesn’t have to come at the cost of high energy bills. By making a few simple changes around your home, you can improve its energy efficiency and keep costs down throughout the colder months