This summer was the hottest ever recorded, and in response to the extreme heat, Entergy launched its “Beat the Heat” program – aimed at implementing a series of measures to help vulnerable customers stay cool and safe this summer. Through a $5.6 million donation provided by Entergy shareholders, the company partnered with local organizations across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to support its low-income and senior customers through a number of programs, resources and bill payment assistance.

“As record-breaking heat hit families and businesses across our service area this summer, Entergy provided relief to nearly 40,000 vulnerable customers through our summer heat initiatives,” said Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy’s vice president of corporate social responsibility. “With higher summer temperatures driving up energy usage, it’s more important than ever to work with our community partners and collaboratively help households in need.”

The initiatives and resources provided by Entergy year to date totals more than $5.6 million to help customers stay cool this summer, including:

• More than $3.2 million was donated by Entergy shareholders, employees and customers to The Power to Care program, which provided bill assistance to nearly 16,000 older adults and customers with disabilities.
• More than $1.2 million was provided to 6,200 eligible Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans customers as $200 bill credits after a historic summer heat wave.
• Donated $1 million to provide energy efficiency kits for customers.
• More than $120,000 in grants were awarded to help provide resources for vulnerable customers, including fans and weatherization events.
• More than 16,000 energy efficiency kits were distributed in parts of Entergy’s service area that included money-saving LED bulbs, advanced power strips, bathroom faucet aerators and V-seal weatherstripping.
• More than 3,000 electric fans were distributed to help customers beat high temperatures and save on electricity bills throughout the summer.
• Neighborhood sweeps were conducted in select, underserved areas and more than 60 low-income homes were weatherproofed.

Learn more about Entergy’s year-long commitment to help its customers stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter here.