Entergy New Orleans says the City Council Cares Program has launched today offering customers an additional resource for bill relief.
"Entergy New Orleans residential customers who have an active electric or electric and gas combination account can visit www.entergyneworleans.com/citycouncilcares, text CCC to 69516, call (504) 493-7004, or visit one of the Company’s two New Orleans walk-in customer care centers to apply for the Program," Lee Sabatini in Entergy New Orleans Communications said in an email.
A news release explains that the City Council Cares Program provides eligible customers $100 in direct bill credits for up to four months for a total of $400.
"Applicants must provide an active Entergy New Orleans account number and a copy of their unemployment verification letter, dated March 16, 2020 or later from the Louisiana Workforce Commission."
Entergy New Orleans President and CEO David Ellis expressed support for the effort.
“We are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As New Orleans is working to safely reopen and to restoring the local economy, we must do what we can to support our customers,” he said.
This is all in addition to the Entergy New Orleans’ Enhanced Customer Assistance Plan.
"Customer assistance includes flexible options to extend time to pay and waiving late fees with payment arrangements. Customers are eligible to take up to six months to pay their current bill and/or unpaid balances. In addition, Entergy New Orleans has extended the suspension of disconnects for non-payment. However, it is important that customers continue to make payments on their electric and gas accounts to ensure balances do not continue to grow."
If you want to take part in the assistance plan, Entergy suggests going online, making a call or coming to see them.
"Customers are encouraged to use the new self-service options to select the extended payment arrangement that works best for them. Visit entergy.com/payarrangements, or select Deferred Payment on the Entergy Mobile App, or call 1-800-Entergy and follow the automated response system billing and payment menu. Customers also may visit one of Entergy New Orleans’ two customer care centers located at 2400 Canal Street and 4021 Behrman Hwy, Suite J."
There is more help available too.
"In addition, LIHEAP may help eligible households with utility bills. To find an agency and to determine eligibility, visit https://www.lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance or call 225-763-8700. Through Entergy's The Power to Care program, local nonprofit agencies can provide emergency bill payment assistance to seniors and disabled individuals in crisis."
