Recent Cold Snap Makes Energy Efficiency Improvements, Level Billing More Valuable

New Orleans, La. – Entergy New Orleans, Inc. customers receiving their bills for December usage experienced their lowest January electric bills since 2006.
A typical electric customer using 1,000 kWh in December received a bill for $95.65. The last time Entergy New Orleans customers enjoyed a January bill that low was in 2006.

“This is good timing for our customers to receive favorable bills given the tough economy and the financial impact the holiday season can have on families,” said Melonie Hall, Entergy New Orleans, Inc. director of customer service. “The combination of relatively low fuel prices, the reasonably mild weather for most of December and our $35 million June 2009 electric rate reduction are driving factors for lowering our customers’ bills this month.”

As a predominant fuel used to generate power in Louisiana, the price of natural gas is a significant factor driving utility bills. The good news for Entergy New Orleans customers is that natural gas has hovered below $6 per MMBtu compared to the commodity’s peak price of $13.50 per MMBtu in July 2008.

Energy Efficiency, Level Billing Now

“Even with positive news regarding fuel prices and the June electric rate reduction, this current cold snap shows that customers must be careful with their usage so they are not surprised when their February bill arrives. Of course, the best way to avoid surprises on your bill is to sign up for Level Billing, which eliminates peaks and valleys in customers’ bills all year long,” said Hall.

The recent cold weather this January is comparable to the harsh winter of January 2001. Therefore, usage increases are expected for February and customers should plan accordingly.

“Now is the time for all customers to take a serious look at their homes to see where they can make energy efficiency improvements. Don’t wait, take action now,” said Hall. “By visiting Entergy’s Web site, customers can learn numerous ways to weatherize their home and make it more comfortable and energy efficient. Or by calling toll free 866-721-0249, customers can learn how they can earn cash rebates for undertaking energy efficiency projects at their home or business.”

Apples-to-Apples Comparison

When compared to other cities around the nation, Entergy New Orleans customers fair well. According to the latest numbers from the Jacksonville Electric Authority (which publishes quarterly typical bill comparisons), Entergy New Orleans customers enjoy competitive rates.

Source: http://www.jea.com/services/electric/rates_quarterly.asp and Public Utility
Commission of Texas
*Investor-owned utility
**Municipal-owned system

“Only by controlling usage can a customer make competitive rates work in their favor. By taking advantage of tools such as Entergy’s Simple Steps, Level Billing or the Entergy New Orleans energy efficiency rebate program, customers can better manage their bills and seasonal weather,” added Hall.

Information regarding all of the Entergy New Orleans bill management programs can be found at entergy-neworleans.com or by calling toll free 800-ENTERGY.

Entergy New Orleans, Inc. is an electric and gas utility serving Orleans Parish and is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. The company provides electricity to approximately 150,000 customers and natural gas to approximately 96,000 customers in Orleans Parish.

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