More than 400 customers access tools and resources to beat the heat

Insights > More than 400 customers access tools and resources to beat the heat

More than 400 customers access tools and resources to beat the heat

07/24/2024

More than 400 Entergy Mississippi customers from the Cleveland and Greenville areas got out of the heat to learn how to beat the heat at the Bolivar County Expo Center in Cleveland earlier this month. Entergy partnered with local community advocate organization Boss Lady Economic Planning Development, led by Pam Chatman, to hold the half-day event. The customer engagement event showcased a variety of Entergy tools and programs that help customers manage energy usage and bills.

"Our objective was to create an opportunity for customers to learn about our programs and services as well as discuss any questions they may have about their bills or service," said Ann Becker, senior manager of sustainability for Entergy. "We partnered with a local community organization led by Dr. Pam Chatman, who is really committed to the community, and she made sure the community was aware of this opportunity. The response was very positive."

Customers learned about energy efficiency programs that will help them manage their energy usage while staying comfortable this summer. "We helped our customers with tips on managing their usage and their bills during the summer heat," said Lindsey Peyton, customer service manager in Cleveland. "We also introduced our participants to our new Bill Toolkit. It is a one-stop online resource for financial assistance and energy efficiency tips."

The event also gave customers the opportunity to learn more about a variety of other services and programs Entergy offers. Qualifying customers were connected to available financial assistance, including Entergy's The Power to Care Program for low-income older adults and customers with disabilities.

Customers learned about adding security lighting to their homes and businesses. Those who qualified were also able to enroll in our Kids to College matching savings account program on site.

"I think what I liked best was Entergy encouraging me how best to secure my home for energy," said Jimmy Ware, an Entergy customer from Boyle. "I love to see Pam Chatman out here blessing the community and the community coming together. It was a good community event. We signed up for information on how to have better lighting around our home, so that was good information."

Participants were treated to demonstrations of the protective equipment Entergy's lineworkers wear and use to stay safe while doing their jobs. The protective equipment included rubber sleeves, rubber gloves, insulated protective equipment, fire retardant clothing, line hoses, blankets, insulator hoods, hard hats, safety glasses and more.

"They let me try on some of their equipment," said Mary Johnson, an Entergy customer from Cleveland. "I got the chance to go outside and cut some wires like they use and I did it! It's been helpful and a good learning experience."

Electrical safety principles were also highlighted by the Arcs and Sparks demonstration, which educates customers on staying safe around power lines and the importance of keeping limbs, ladders, balloons and other items from coming into contact with the lines.

"I live here. This is my community and these are my customers-customers I see every day at the grocery store and the gas station," said Lacey Little, line supervisor, Cleveland. "This event gave us the opportunity to explain exactly what we do. It was a good feeling."

Entergy also partnered with North Mississippi Rural Legal Services to offer free legal guidance on a variety of topics, including FEMA appeals for tornado survivors.

Entergy and Boss Lady Economic Planning Development have worked together on several energy efficiency kit giveaways and activities to help Deltans over the past several years.

"It's getting hot; bills are rising, so people had questions on what they can do," said Chatman. "I have had a partnership with Entergy for so many years. It helps me to serve people and meet them where they are, so I'm just grateful to Entergy for choosing me to be one of their partners."

In addition to gaining information, accessing resources, signing up for programs and having their questions answered, participants were given several items that will help them stay cool and reduce their bills this summer. Energy efficiency kits, box fans, cases of water, lawn chairs, and plastic swimming pools that children love to play in during the summer were given away.