With utility bills soaring amid high temperatures and record gas prices in recent months, Entergy Louisiana is offering its low-income customers a one-time credit of $150. the company announced this Thursday.
Through a partnership with Louisiana United Ways, Entergy Louisiana offers bill payment assistance on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified residential customers throughout the state.
This assistance will include the company’s service territory in north, central, southeast and southwest Louisiana. Entergy Louisiana provides electric service to more than 1 million customers in 58 parishes.
The application process it is expected to start on August 17.
“We know these are challenging times for our communities,” Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana, said in a statement. “We want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to reduce the burden our customers may have when they receive their bills.”
Electric bills have hit record highs this summer due to several factors, including rising natural gas prices, storm restoration costs from multiple natural disasters and record usage amid sweltering temperatures.
In a statement published on August 1Louisiana customers set a new record for peak electricity use of more than 9,900 megawatts on June 24, surpassing the previous mark of 9,840 in July 2015, Entergy officials said.
Entergy said it has taken several steps to help customers combat higher bills, including charging convenience fees and late fees. The company also plans to invest $425,000 in its The Power to Care program for low-income seniors and disabled customers in Louisiana.
The upcoming $150 credit is part of $10 million in shareholder donations previously announced by Entergy Corporation. Approximately $4.4 million is being awarded to Louisiana customers of United Ways for Entergy.
Qualifying Entergy Louisiana electric customers will be able to apply for the $150 credit through their local United Way. To qualify, customers must be Entergy electric customers and have a total household income of no more than 250 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $69,000 for a family of four.
Customers applying for the $150 assistance plan through United Way must have the following documents ready to proceed:
— Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID, passport)
— One of the following income options for each income earner age 18 or older: first page of 2021 tax returns; 2021 W2(s); Last payslip; Form 1099 or 1042S from the Social Security Administration.
Additional details about billing assistance through Louisiana United Ways, including a list of United Way partners and instructions on how to apply, will be available Aug. 15, officials said.
For application information, visit entergy-louisiana.com/bill-help/.
