News Release > Sheltering at Home Can Increase Energy Bills; Here’s How to Get Help

Sheltering at Home Can Increase Energy Bills; Here’s How to Get Help

03/30/2020

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – With schools closed and many workers temporarily unemployed or telecommuting due to the coronavirus pandemic, many families have a full house during times the home would normally be empty. The result is often an increased demand for energy to fuel daily lives, and that can quickly lead to a higher-than-normal energy bill.

Family members may ask how to keep bills from rising when there is an increase in demand. Or your neighbor might want to know how to get help if he or she is struggling to pay a higher-than-normal bill.

The best way to keep energy use—and bills—in check is to follow simple energy-saving tips, like wrapping your water heater; regularly replacing HVAC filters and insulating doors and windows. But if a high bill has already arrived, there are ways customers can get help managing their costs or even paying their bill.

Working with its regulators, Entergy Arkansas has temporarily suspended service disconnections. However, Entergy encourages customers to make payments on their account if possible, and will work directly with customers to make payment arrangements if they are unable to pay in full. Customers requiring such arrangements should call 1-800-ENTERGY (800-368-3749) or visit myAccount.

Here are four more ways customers can manage through the higher costs of powering their homes:

• Level Billing --Entergy averages your bill over a rolling 12-month period so you have a consistent bill each month of the year. Pay about the same every month, with no surprises. 
• Pick-A-Date --Choose what day of the month you get billed to line up with your budget and manage your cash flow.
• Payment Extension--Qualifying customers who need additional time to pay their bill can call our automated answering system at 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) or request an extension through myAccount.
• Power to Care--Through Entergy's The Power to Care program, local nonprofit agencies can provide emergency bill payment assistance to seniors and disabled individuals in crisis. Find out more at entergy-arkansas.com/bill-help/.
• LIHEAP--LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a program that provides money to help people with energy bills and other energy-related expenses. LIHEAP is funded through the federal government and works with the community action agencies to help customers pay for and keep electric service in their homes. For information on how to apply for assistance, visit HERE.

If you know someone who thinks they’re going to need help with their power bill, let them know they shouldn’t delay. Have them call Entergy’s customer service representatives at 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) to see what solution might be right for them.