NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno, as Chair of the Utilities Committee, has been working closely with Entergy New Orleans on ensuring that people struggling financially during this pandemic receive significant assistance with bill payments. The company has agreed to provide a range option for residential and commercial customers, including potential bill reductions and providing an extended period of time to catch up with bills.
President Moreno additionally requested that Entergy New Orleans come up with a plan to waive late fees for non-payment. The company has agreed to do so for customers in need who are in contact with the company.
"These are unprecedented times that have left many people in our city struggling to figure out how they're going to put food on the table plus pay their bills. As Chair of the Utilities Committee, it is my top priority to help people in need keep the lights on. I appreciate the company stepping up to provide additional assistance, but there is still more work to do. I'll be working with my Council colleagues on additional mitigation measures," said Councilmember Moreno.
President Moreno, alongside advocacy groups, has also been pushing Congress and the Trump Administration for additional funding for Louisiana through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help people with bill payments. It should also be noted that the lower Entergy New Orleans rates ordered by the Council last fall took effect in East Bank customers' April bills, which forms another small cushion against the wave of financial burden building in our city.
Entergy New Orleans will be contacting customers with past due bills to provide assistance but asks that anyone in need of help contact 1-800-ENTERGY.