Why air sealing matters

Air sealing involves closing cracks and gaps in your home where air can leak in or out. Preventing air leaks can make a big difference, especially in our humid subtropical climate where air conditioning is a must.

Benefits of air sealing

1. Lower energy bills: By reducing the amount of air leaking in and out, your heating and cooling systems don’t need to work as hard, so you can save money on your energy bills.
2. Improve comfort: Air sealing helps to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home. No more hot or cold spots.
3. Protect your home structure: Sealing gaps keeps out rain and humidity, which can help prevent mold, mildew and water damage.
4. Enhance indoor air quality: By blocking outdoor pollutants, allergens and pests, air sealing can make your home healthier.

New Orleans is a city rich in culture, history and architecture, but beneath the surface, the ground is slowly sinking, a natural process called subsidence, which doesn’t just affect the ground—it affects everything built on it. For homeowners, subsidence can lead to:

• Cracked walls and foundations.
• Uneven or sloping floors.
• Gaps around windows and doors.
• Increased air leakage.
• Higher energy bills and increased costs.

These shifts let in outside air, moisture and pests—making it harder to keep your home cool and comfortable. That’s why air sealing is important: It helps protect your home and wallet. You may be eligible to receive free or discounted air sealing for your home through .

While Entergy’s lighting teams perform routine patrols and inspections of streetlights the company owns or maintains, we rely on and encourage members of the community to report any streetlight outages they encounter. There are several convenient ways to do this:

• Mobile app reporting: This is the recommended method. You can easily report streetlight outages using the outage map feature on the Entergy mobile app. After logging into the app, The app can use your device’s GPS to pinpoint your location, or you can manually enter an address. This method allows you to click on the specific streetlight maintained by Entergy, ensuring accurate reporting. Please make sure that location services are enabled on your device to use the GPS feature.
• Website reporting: You can also report streetlight outages by visiting  and selecting the “Report an outage” option.
• Phone reporting: Alternatively, you can call us directly at 1-800-9OUTAGE to report any streetlight issues.

Not all streetlights are owned or maintained by Entergy. Some may be the responsibility of another utility, local municipality or state agency. To help determine if your case should be handled by Entergy, a streetlight icon will display on our map.

Street light outages can occur for a variety of reasons, from bulbs reaching end of life to damages from digging work to weather events or even public vehicles. Your assistance plays a crucial role in helping us maintain well-lit and safe neighborhoods.

By promptly reporting streetlight outages, you contribute significantly to the safety and well-being of our community. Although we aim to make repairs in a timely manner, some circumstances like major storm damage or complex wiring issues could extend the time it takes to complete repairs.  In some cases, a bulb that gave off an amber color will be upgraded with an LED bulb that is lighter in color. LEDs come with several benefits: they’re more energy efficient and last longer.

Consumer fraud reports reached a record high – $10 billion in losses – in 2023, according to the FTC. About 1 in 5 people lost money to imposter scammers, who claim to be someone they’re not to gain your trust. And while data for the entirety of 2024 is not available yet, trends from the first half of the year suggest losses are on track to surpass those of 2023.

“Utility imposters are always trying new and creative ways to take your money or obtain your personal information,” said Chris Peters, vice president and chief security officer at Entergy. “Don’t fall for it; please continue to be cautious and protect yourself and your families from scammers.”

Here are common scams and tips to protect yourself from them:

Caller ID scams and threats to disconnect
Scammers can manipulate your caller ID to disguise themselves as Entergy representatives, and oftentimes, they’ll demand personal information or make a threat to disconnect your service if you don’t provide payment immediately.

Remember, Entergy representatives will never demand immediate payment or cut off service without considerable warning. Do not share personal information – like your banking information or credit card number – with unsolicited callers.

Search engine scams
Watch out for fraudulent websites and phone numbers that look like ours when you search for them online. Always confirm that you are using our official website,��entergy.com, and customer portal,��, to conduct business.

QR code and barcode scams
Look out for text messages that appear authentic but are scams. In these scenarios, customers will receive what appears to be an automated text message requesting payment for a past due bill, along with a QR code or barcode that would route them to an unauthorized payment method. Again, do not fall for these scams and be sure to only use official Entergy channels for making payments.

In-person scams
Be cautious of unexpected visitors claiming false affiliations with Entergy. Entergy representatives at your doorstep will not rush you to sign up for any programs or services, especially without giving you time to review all terms and conditions.

“If you find a phone call, text message, email or door-to-door salesperson claiming to be someone from Entergy to be suspicious, please contact us directly,” said Jeremy Champlin, Entergy vice president of customer care.

Report activity to Entergy, your bank or financial institution and the proper authorities, which can include the ���ǰ���. Document all details – such as receipts, names, websites, phone numbers or email addresses – associated with the crime.

Entergy is proud member of , a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations that are dedicated to combating utility imposter scams.

With the assistance of customer reports, UUAS has helped disconnect thousands of toll-free numbers that scammers used to target utility customers.

�վ���������entergy.com/scams for additional resources on new and evolving threats.

Although the cheers from Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans have faded, the environmental initiatives leading up to the event continue to benefit Louisiana’s ecosystems and communities.

Entergy, in collaboration with partners like the Super Bowl Host Committee and NFL Green spearheaded several sustainability and resilience projects in the region. Here are some highlights:

Installing a Living Shoreline in Leeville

Approximately 30 Entergy employees, alongside partners with ,��,��,�� and Verizon, installed 59 tons of oyster shells along the shoreline in Leeville, Louisiana.

These reclaimed shells, sourced from local restaurants, create a “living shoreline” and serve to prevent coastal erosion and act as natural storm barriers.

Elizabeth Adams, Entergy chief customer officer and sustainability chair of the Super Bowl Host Committee, stacked hands with employees at the event and emphasized the personal significance of the project.

“There is nothing more local than Entergy – we touch every customer, every corner of the communities we serve,” Adams said. “This project emphasized that for me since I was born and raised in Cutoff, Louisiana, and spent time fishing out of Leeville and Fourchon. It is really special for me to be back home and investing in the community here. Entergy’s volunteer opportunities allow us all to invest at home.”

Restoring wetlands in Madisonville

Volunteers also gathered near the historic Tchefuncte River lighthouse to plant 600 bald cypress trees as part of a swamp restoration initiative. Organized by the , this effort aimed to reforest the wetlands and provide storm protection for inland areas.

Entergy employee volunteers and others navigated challenging conditions to plant saplings, which were protected with coverings to deter nutria predation. These trees are expected to help stabilize the shoreline and mitigate erosion.

Creating green space in New Orleans

In New Orleans’ historic 7th Ward, volunteers collaborated to plant shade trees in Hardin Park. This initiative, supported the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways and other local organizations, enhances urban green space, offering environmental and social benefits to the community.

A sustainable Super Bowl legacy

Beyond the game, Super Bowl LIX has left a positive environmental legacy in Louisiana. Through these collaborative efforts, Entergy and its partners have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the impact of the Super Bowl extends far beyond the field.

To get a firsthand look at some of the efforts on the ground and along the coast, watch the video below.

“Our region has faced intense and prolonged winter weather this January, leading to increased energy usage as customers worked to keep their homes warm,” said Elizabeth Adams, Entergy chief customer officer. “Higher usage can lead to higher-than-normal bills, but we’re here to help with a variety of resources, tools and payment options to support our customers through the winter season.”

Extreme weather impact and historic energy demand

January brought prolonged stretches of below-freezing temperatures to many communities across Entergy’s service area. In the Greater New Orleans area, snowfall totals exceeded eight inches, breaking the previous official record of 2.7 inches set in 1963. Southwest Louisiana and the Capital Region also saw record-setting snowfall, with some areas accumulating up to a foot.

During January, metropolitan areas across Entergy’s service area experienced prolonged stretches of temperatures 20 to 30 degrees below the average low. In fact, temperatures in our region were consistently lower than normal through January 26.

It takes a lot of power to heat homes, and this increased energy consumption can lead to higher-than-normal bills. For example, if it is 90 degrees outside and you want to cool your home to 72, that is a difference of 18 degrees. Meanwhile, if it is 30 degrees outside and you want to warm your home to 68, that is a difference of 38 degrees. The wider the temperature difference, the harder your system works.

This extreme weather caused historic energy consumption as customers relied heavily on heaters and other appliances to stay warm. Entergy and its subsidiaries, excluding Entergy Mississippi, experienced a new peak load of approximately 21,336 megawatt-hours during the week of January 20, surpassing the previous record by nearly 790 MWh. Entergy Louisiana saw the highest percent increase at 7.2%.

���ϳԹ��� usage varies by household

While cold weather drives increased energy consumption, the impact on individual customers varies based on numerous factors, such as thermostat settings, home size, insulation and location.

Resources to track usage and manage bills

Entergy’s Bill Toolkit is a one-stop resource connecting customers to tools and information to better manage their energy bills. The toolkit offers guidance on tracking energy usage, understanding bill projections and accessing payment assistance options. Key resources include:

• ���ⴡ�屹�����ǰ���dashboard: Gives customers an estimate of what projected energy usage costs could be by the end of the billing cycle.
• Bill analyzer tools: Help customers understand changes in their energy consumption and plan accordingly.
• Different payment options: Programs like Level Billing, AutoPay and Pick-A-Date can provide a more consistent monthly bill and offer control over payment schedules.

These tools empower customers to make informed decisions, monitor their energy consumption and budget effectively.

Bill assistance options

Entergy is committed to supporting customers with various bill management resources:

• Deferred payment arrangements: Customers may be able to spread payments over time by putting in a request through myEntergy or the mobile app or by calling over the phone.
• Low Income Home ���ϳԹ��� Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Federally funded assistance for eligible households.
• The Power to Care: Provides emergency bill payment assistance for seniors and disabled individuals through local nonprofit partners.
• ���貹���ٲԱ�����󾱱�: Entergy has partnered with Single Stop, a free resource that helps customers check eligibility for federal, state and local benefits.

Proactive winter preparedness

With winter weather not yet over, Entergy urges customers to take proactive steps to weatherize their homes and improve energy efficiency. Simple measures, such as caulking, sealing windows and doors or using programmable thermostats, can help reduce energy usage and costs.

Customers in need of assistance or interested in bill management resources are encouraged to visit .

Harvey Couch, Entergy’s founder, set out to build a new generating facility in North Louisiana that would power his growing assets across Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi.

Ultimately, Sterlington, Louisiana, was chosen as the site for the new power plant. At that time, there were hardly any paved roads in North Louisiana, and traveling through the area meant staying overnight in small towns like Minden, Ruston, Tallulah, Winnsboro, Ferriday and Delhi. Cars had no air conditioning or heating, and neither did most homes.

In late 1924, Couch organized two new companies, the Louisiana Power & Light Company, which began buying electric facilities in North Louisiana, and the Louisiana Power Company to build the new power station.

Sterlington was chosen for three main reasons:

• An abundant supply of natural gas had been discovered in the area.
• The nearby Ouachita River could provide adequate water for plant operations.
• The location was at the heart of a growing agricultural and industrial region.

Construction of Sterlington Station began in 1924, and it was placed into service in November 1925, during a period that also saw the establishment of the FBI and the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In a book recounting the history of LP&L (an Entergy predecessor, Sterlington Station was described as a “mighty power giant” contributing to a “Greater Louisiana and Greater South.”

Initially, Sterlington Station had two 12.5-megawatt turbogenerators, producing a total electric output of 25 megawatts. It remained LP&L’s primary power plant for more than a quarter-century until the first unit at Ninemile Point was completed in 1951.

Sterlington Station was known for its busyness and cleanliness. Employees worked long hours and took pride in keeping the facility in top condition.

At that time, Sterlington had only a post office, a drug store and two grocery stores. It didn’t even have a bank. Housing was also limited, so the company built a village adjacent to the plant with accommodations for nearly 50 families. Rent ranged from $15 to $20 a month. The village had concrete sidewalks, gravel streets, and modern utilities like gas, electric, and sewer services. It even included a school and a church. In 1944, as local operations expanded, the company built 32 additional homes for employees.

At the plant itself, there was a boarding house known as the “Club” for unmarried employees, which could accommodate about 20. Upstairs, employees had rooms, while downstairs was a recreation area with furniture and tables for card games.

As demand for power grew, Sterlington Station expanded. Two additional turbogenerators, each with an output of 30 megawatts, were placed into service in 1928 and 1929. This expansion made Sterlington Station one of the largest power plants in the South. By 1929, it was the leading electric producer south of St. Louis and Baltimore.

By the end of 1927, a year before the additional turbogenerators at Sterlington Station came online, LP&L was serving 15,250 customers in Louisiana. Today, Entergy Louisiana serves more than a million customers across the state.

While the hard work and activities in and around Sterlington Station are now distant memories captured by retirees and others in historical documents and photographs, the impact of the plant and its workforce lives on.

“Sterlington Station’s legacy is a testament to the hardworking people who have powered Louisiana’s growth over the past century,” said Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO. “This facility and the dedicated employees who worked there helped build our economy and contribute to the wonderful state Louisiana is today. We honor them and their lasting impact.”

Although natural gas remains a key part of Entergy Louisiana’s diverse power generation portfolio, the company announced in January 2024 next to the site where Sterlington Station was constructed a century ago — a symbol of its commitment to a cleaner, brighter future.

“Our consistent recognition as a top utility in economic development reflects our unwavering commitment to growing and supporting the communities we serve, including the diverse industries that choose to invest and expand in our region, which is uniquely positioned across sectors,” said Hannah Kaplan, vice president, commercial and industrial sales management and customer experience. “By leveraging our partnerships and resources, we’re able to provide companies with the best of Entergy, including the tools and support they need to find suitable sites, break ground and build or expand their businesses to create tremendous economic value.”

Site Selection magazine determines each year’s honorees by assessing criteria including each utility’s job-creating infrastructure and facility investment trends, innovative programs and incentives for businesses and website tools and data.

Customer investments

Capital investments in our region over the last 17 years represent a variety of industries and companies from around the world, including CF Industries ($2 billion), Cormorant Clean ���ϳԹ��� ($1.2 billion), Dassault ($100 million), DG Fuels ($3.1 billion), Element 25 ($480 million) and Sempra ($13 billion). This is just a sample of projects that demonstrate the scale and breadth of economic growth we have helped drive in our communities. 

Economic partnerships

We understand that siting new or expanding industrial facilities can be a complex process, and our teams have built partnerships to enable economic development throughout our four-state service area. Site Selection magazine once again recognized Entergy for our extensive support of local economic development efforts. Our state-of-the-art site selection website, , empowers companies with the essential information they need to locate, expand and market their commercial and industrial properties within our region. The website currently features more than 1,500 listings across our four-state region.

Community development

Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities, philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy across our four-state region through the Entergy Charitable Foundation. In 2023 alone, employees and retirees contributed more than 130,000 volunteer hours within their communities.

Environmental sustainability

We anticipate a 50% reduction of our carbon dioxide emissions rate by 2030 and we’re committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Site Selection magazine’s profile of Entergy may be viewed in the September 2024 print issue and .

Entergy provides companies with access to essential information needed to locate, expand and promote their business within our four-state region. In addition, we provide companies with services in site selection, project management, large projects and contracts.

Learn how we can power your business at .

Lineworkers with Entergy’s Louisiana utilities have once again demonstrated their unwavering dedication to restoring power, this time by aiding Georgia Power in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. A storm travel team of hundreds has been on the ground in Georgia, battling tough conditions to get the lights back on for residents and businesses impacted by the storm.

Helene’s devastation has been far-reaching, with severe impacts stretching from Florida to Georgia and the Carolinas. Entergy crews from Louisiana initially rode out the storm in Atlanta before making their way through debris-strewn roadways to reach areas such as Madison, Union Point and eventually Augusta. The devastation they encountered became more apparent as they moved eastward, with downed trees and broken power lines marking their path.

Ryan Buras, Entergy Louisiana distribution operations senior region manager, leads the Louisiana team in Georgia. He expressed immense pride in his crew’s hard work and determination.

“Our teams are working long hours in challenging terrain, facing tough conditions that aren’t ideal but are typical of storm response, and they’re doing it with incredible resilience,” Buras said. “The goal is to get the lights back on as safely and quickly as possible, and that’s exactly what they’re doing.”

The crew has been stationed at a staging site in Hephzibah, Georgia, where they sleep in semi-trailers packed with 36 beds. A fueling station and food tent are available, but hot showers are not promised. Despite these conditions, the crews press on, installing new poles, power lines and other equipment in rugged, wooded areas across eastern Georgia.

Dylan Granger, an Entergy Louisiana lineworker out of Zachary, shared his experience of working on the ground. Granger has been part of Entergy for over a decade and is no stranger to storm restoration efforts, but this one is different.

“I come here to get a job done—handle business,” Granger said, adding that while the conditions are far from ideal, the reward of seeing power restored makes the effort worthwhile. He mentioned how residents were thrilled to see their bucket trucks arrive, eager for power to be restored.

Granger also touched on the personal sacrifices that come with the job. He missed his kids’ first fall rodeo while working in Georgia, but he remains committed to completing the task at hand. “I look forward to getting home, hugging my wife and kids and taking a nice long nap in my own bed—maybe even a hot shower,” he added.

For many Entergy lineworkers, the job isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling. Joanna Booty, who has worked as a lineworker for around eight years, joined the profession after being told she wouldn’t succeed and wanting to prove that wrong. Since then, she has taken part in numerous storm restorations, including those following hurricanes Irma and Michael. Helene is her first off-system storm with Entergy, and she was struck by how far inland the storm’s damage extended.

“Every day is different. No job is the exact same, and it’s never boring,” said Booty, who helps keep the lights on for customers in Tangipahoa and Washington parishes back home. She spoke proudly of her crew’s efforts, particularly after completing a massive rebuild job in a single day. “We had about 15 broken poles and power lines on the ground, but by the end of the day, we got the lights back on,” she said.

Booty’s sense of accomplishment was heightened by the warm reception from the local residents, who provided her crew with pulled pork and brisket for lunch. “When the lights came back on, they were outside hollering and waving at us,” she said. “It’s a nice feeling, getting the lights on and seeing them come on.”

Like Granger, Booty’s family is eager for her return, but she remains steadfast in her commitment to see the job through.

Justin Martens, an Entergy New Orleans operations coordinator, echoed the sentiments of his colleagues. Having been with the company for more than a decade, Martens is familiar with the ups and downs of storm restoration work. But in Georgia, he’s found an incredibly appreciative community.

“I don’t think we’ve reached a customer that hasn’t been appreciative,” Martens said. He added that the devastation in areas like Augusta, known for its scenic beauty and golf courses, was sobering. Despite the challenges, Martens, like his fellow workers, maintains a positive outlook.

The team’s efforts come as another storm looms—while Hurricane Helene’s impact on the region will be felt for some time, utility crews are on alert for Hurricane Milton, a strengthening storm set to threaten Florida in the coming days.

“While we’re focused on restoring power for customers impacted by Hurricane Helene, our thoughts are also with those in the path of Hurricane Milton,” Buras said. “Mutual assistance in the utility industry is all about helping one another in times of need and I know the industry will support one another once again.”

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Seth Schilling, region customer service manager; Desiree Harris, customer service manager; and Traye Granger, region distribution operations senior manager, were recognized for their dedication to the community in the aftermath of the storm. Their certificates praised their “selfless service and commitment to the safety and well-being of citizens,” calling it a testament to the spirit of public service.

In addition to recognizing the Entergy employees, Broome acknowledged the efforts of those on the frontlines, including some with the Baton Rouge Fire Department, East Baton Rouge emergency medical services and the Baton Rouge Department of Public Works. She thanked the Entergy team for effective communication and strong stakeholder engagement before, during and after the storm.

“Your quick and coordinated efforts did not and do not go unnoticed, and certainly because of your commitment, lives were saved, and critical services were restored in record time,” Broome said. “Thank you for putting our citizens’ safety above all else. Your work truly embodies the spirit of resilience and community, and we are deeply grateful for what you have done.”

Councilman Daryl Hurst also praised Entergy Louisiana’s efforts.

“I want to give Entergy a huge commendation for the level of support they provided throughout the storm, but throughout the year as well,” Hurst said. “Thank you for the impact you make on our community.”

Michelle Bourg, Entergy vice president of customer service, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the strong relationship with the communities across East Baton Rouge Parish.

“We’re incredibly grateful to be recognized for our efforts and to have the opportunity to serve the people of East Baton Rouge Parish,” Bourg said. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the city and parish in the future as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

Hurricane Francine made landfall as a Category 2 storm in Terrebonne Parish on Sept. 11, knocking out power to more than 300,000 Entergy customers across southeast Louisiana, including the Greater Baton Rouge area. The storm brought heavy rain and winds exceeding 100 mph, causing widespread damage to vegetation and electric infrastructure.

Entergy Louisiana continues to make strategic investments to improve service reliability and strengthen the state’s power grid against extreme weather. In April, the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved phase one of the company’s comprehensive grid resilience program, a five-year initiative including 2,100 projects affecting approximately 69,000 structures. These efforts are anticipated to help avoid up to $1.2 billion in storm restoration costs.

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