News Release > Entergy Arkansas reminds customers of winter bill management and assistance options

Entergy Arkansas reminds customers of winter bill management and assistance options

02/12/2025

January's snowfall and below-freezing temps may have increased customers' energy usage

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Entergy Arkansas 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. 

“This January brought snowfall and several consecutive days of below-freezing temperatures, causing some customers to use more energy to heat their homes,” said Ventrell Thompson, vice president of customer service for Entergy Arkansas. “Higher usage can lead to higher-than-normal bills, but we’re committed to providing resources, tools and payment options to help customers manage their energy costs through the winter months.” 

Extreme weather impact and historic energy demand 

According to the National Weather Service, January brought prolonged stretches of below average and even freezing temperatures to communities in Entergy Arkansas’ service area. The entire state of Arkansas experienced a significant winter storm January 9-10 that brought substantial snowfall to many areas, including more than six inches of snow in Little Rock, and a wintry mix of precipitation to the southern part of the state.  

The chart below shows the average temperature lows and actual temperature lows from January 1-26 for these areas.  

During this time period, the Little Rock area saw 14 days of temperatures at or below the average low.  This extreme weather caused historic energy consumption as customers relied heavily on heaters and other appliances to stay warm.  

The Entergy companies combined reached a new winter peak load of approximately 21,336 megawatt-hours during the week of Jan. 20, surpassing the previous record by nearly 790 MWh. Entergy Arkansas, specifically, surpassed its previous peak set in January 2024.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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). 

Bill assistance options 

Entergy Arkansas 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. 

Entergy Arkansas encourages customers who may need additional payment options to contact us. To see if customers automatically qualify for deferred payment arrangements or payment extensions, they can visit our mobile app or myEntergy.  

Proactive winter preparedness 

With winter weather not yet over, Entergy Arkansas 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. 

Entergy Arkansas’ power grid and its employees remain ready for the next weather event. The company is committed to investing in the reliability and resilience of its system to better serve its customers during future storms.

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Arkansas, visit the Newsroom and connect with @EntergyArk on social media.