Search
Insights > Online Bill Toolkit launches to help customers manage their budgets this summer
Online Bill Toolkit launches to help customers manage their budgets this summer
06/18/2024
This week marks the official start of summer, and high temperatures are already here. The past two summers have brought some of the hottest weather on record – reaching three-digit temperatures across our service area and leading to record-level electricity usage by our customers. While many factors impact customer energy bills, usage and weather are leading contributors.
In the face of these drivers, we are committed to helping our customers keep their energy costs under control and on budget. We’ve recently launched our new online Bill Toolkit to empower customers with the resources and available assistance options to help them more easily manage their energy bill. Whether customers have questions about their bill, need more time to pay or are looking for assistance, our one-stop shop connects them to available programs and services.
The Bill Toolkit site includes comprehensive information on over two dozen programs or resources across our region available to help customers looking for bill management and assistance options. Programs or resources referenced on the site include:
- Energy efficiency programs and rebates.
- Deferred payment arrangements and payment extension options.
- Financial assistance offerings like The Power to Care, LIHEAP and Single Stop.
Low to no-cost energy saving tips
If customers are looking for low to no-cost tips to lower their summer energy bill, they can follow these quick and easy energy efficiency tips:
- Change air filters. Air filters on some air conditioning units require monthly cleaning or replacing.
- Set thermostats to the highest comfortable temperature. The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower customers’ energy usage and bills will be.
- Buy a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help manage costs, is controllable, and can help monitor usage.
- Use fans to cool off. Ceiling fans, box fans and oscillating fans use very little electricity to circulate the air. Make sure ceiling fans are rotating in the right direction – counter-clockwise during summer – to push cooler air down into the room. Be sure to turn all fans off in unused rooms.
- Close blinds, shades and curtains to keep the sun out and the cool air in. Also, close air conditioning vents in rooms that are not in use.
- Seal cracks and holes around doors, windows and ductwork. Weather stripping and caulk will help keep the cold air in and the hot air out.
Connecting customers
For customers needing help with their bill, Entergy’s Bill Toolkit provides a one-stop-shop for bill management tools and payment options, such as our bill projector and level billing, and customer assistance programs.
To help our customers thrive, Entergy has donated funds to form a new partnership with Single Stop, a free resource that makes it easy for customers to find assistance. The service provides a simple, direct path to support customers with housing, finance, food, education, healthcare, childcare, tax assistance, utility payments and more. The average household screened is eligible for benefits and resources valued at $17,600 and 96% of people who apply are approved. To get started, customers can provide their up-to-date information for an accurate estimate of the benefits they are eligible to receive. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to submit details.
Entergy also partners with third-party agencies that provide utility bill assistance for qualifying households. Through Entergy's The Power to Care program, local nonprofit agencies provide emergency bill payment assistance to adults aged 65 or older and individuals with disabilities. Customers also may be eligible to receive federal payment assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP.
Keeping customer costs as low as possible is always a priority for Entergy. Our energy rates are some of the lowest in the nation. But higher temperatures can mean higher costs for everyone. We encourage customers to take control of their summer bill at BillToolkit.entergy.com.
