Search
Insights > Entergy reminds customers of bill management and assistance options following extreme winter weather
Entergy reminds customers of bill management and assistance options following extreme winter weather
02/05/2025
Entergy Louisiana is reminding customers about available bill management and assistance resources after the company’s service area saw historic winter and record-breaking energy demand in January.
“Our region has faced intense and prolonged winter weather this January, leading to increased energy usage as customers worked to keep their homes warm,” said Elizabeth Adams, Entergy chief customer officer. “Higher usage can lead to higher-than-normal bills, but we’re here to help with a variety of resources, tools and payment options to support our customers through the winter season.”
Extreme weather impact and historic energy demand
January brought prolonged stretches of below-freezing temperatures to many communities across Entergy’s service area. In the Greater New Orleans area, snowfall totals exceeded eight inches, breaking the previous official record of 2.7 inches set in 1963. Southwest Louisiana and the Capital Region also saw record-setting snowfall, with some areas accumulating up to a foot.
During January, metropolitan areas across Entergy’s service area experienced prolonged stretches of temperatures 20 to 30 degrees below the average low. In fact, temperatures in our region were consistently lower than normal through January 26.
It takes a lot of power to heat homes, and this increased energy consumption can lead to higher-than-normal bills. For example, if it is 90 degrees outside and you want to cool your home to 72, that is a difference of 18 degrees. Meanwhile, if it is 30 degrees outside and you want to warm your home to 68, that is a difference of 38 degrees. The wider the temperature difference, the harder your system works.
This extreme weather caused historic energy consumption as customers relied heavily on heaters and other appliances to stay warm. Entergy and its subsidiaries, excluding Entergy Mississippi, experienced a new peak load of approximately 21,336 megawatt-hours during the week of January 20, surpassing the previous record by nearly 790 MWh. Entergy Louisiana saw the highest percent increase at 7.2%.
Energy usage varies by household
While cold weather drives increased energy consumption, the impact on individual customers varies based on numerous factors, such as thermostat settings, home size, insulation and location.
Resources to track usage and manage bills
Entergy’s Bill Toolkit is a one-stop resource connecting customers to tools and information to better manage their energy bills. The toolkit offers guidance on tracking energy usage, understanding bill projections and accessing payment assistance options. Key resources include:
- myAdvisor dashboard: Gives customers an estimate of what projected energy usage costs could be by the end of the billing cycle.
- Bill analyzer tools: Help customers understand changes in their energy consumption and plan accordingly.
- Different payment options: Programs like Level Billing, AutoPay and Pick-A-Date can provide a more consistent monthly bill and offer control over payment schedules.
These tools empower customers to make informed decisions, monitor their energy consumption and budget effectively.
Bill assistance options
Entergy is committed to supporting customers with various bill management resources:
- Deferred payment arrangements: Customers may be able to spread payments over time by putting in a request through myEntergy or the mobile app or by calling over the phone.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Federally funded assistance for eligible households.
- The Power to Care: Provides emergency bill payment assistance for seniors and disabled individuals through local nonprofit partners.
- Single Stop partnership: Entergy has partnered with Single Stop, a free resource that helps customers check eligibility for federal, state and local benefits.
Proactive winter preparedness
With winter weather not yet over, Entergy urges customers to take proactive steps to weatherize their homes and improve energy efficiency. Simple measures, such as caulking, sealing windows and doors or using programmable thermostats, can help reduce energy usage and costs.
Customers in need of assistance or interested in bill management resources are encouraged to visit BillToolkit.entergy.com or contact Entergy at 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749).
