Entergy New Orleans suspends shutoffs through heat emergency - WDSU New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans suspends shutoffs heat emergency

Entergy New Orleans suspends shutoffs through heat emergency

Due to extreme and dangerous temperatures, Entergy New Orleans announced that it will suspend disconnections for the duration of Gov. John Bel Edward's heat emergency.

Entergy made the announcement Monday.

No accounts will be disconnected for non-payment until the heat emergency expires, which is Sept. 9.

Entergy New Orleans issued the following statement regarding the decision:

"Entergy New Orleans today announced the suspension of all disconnections for the duration of the Governor’s declared heat emergency through Sept. 9. No accounts will be disconnected for non-payment while the emergency remains in effect.

"The company will continue to work closely with the New Orleans City Council to monitor updates from the National Weather Service to determine if an additional suspension period is necessary, beyond Sept. 9 and at a minimum, will continue suspending disconnects during National Weather Service excessive heat advisories.

"For customers struggling to pay their bill, Entergy New Orleans offers a number of payment options, such as level billing, auto-pay and more, as well as tools and programs designed to help customers manage energy usage. For more information, visit myentergy.com/s/programs or call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) to speak with a customer service representative."

Entergy Louisiana issued the following statement regarding potential cutoffs for customers outside of New Orleans:

"In an effort to provide heat relief to customers, Entergy Louisiana and New Orleans have announced the suspension of disconnects for non-payment through Sunday, Aug. 20, due to prolonged extreme temperatures in our region and out of concern for customer safety. Following that date, the companies will take a day-by-day approach, following all Council and Commission orders and also giving careful consideration to the prolonged period of extreme heat.

"Those orders generally require the suspension of disconnects for nonpayment during National Weather Service excessive heat advisories or days in which temperatures reach 100-degrees or more in a given parish.

"Additionally, our teams are working with customers throughout the state during this unprecedented heat wave to provide assistance and connect qualifying customers to bill payment programs, such as The Power to Care, and bill payment options, including deferred payment plans, payment extensions and level billing.

"We encourage all customers to be aware of their energy usage year-round, practice at-home energy efficiency measures and take advantage of our resources at Entergy Solutions Louisiana or Entergy Smart New Orleans. We encourage customers who need bill help to call us at 1-800-ENTERGY or visit entergy.com/answers to learn more about the bill help options that may be available to them."