As winter temperatures set in, Entergy Arkansas is providing support to customers who may need assistance with their utility bills. The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now accepting applications from eligible customers, offering up to $475 in aid.
LIHEAP aims to alleviate the energy burden on low-income households, particularly those who allocate a higher proportion of their income to cover home energy costs. The program operates throughout the year, recognizing the increased strain on heating and air units during extreme temperature conditions in both summer and winter. The application period runs from January 8 to March 22, or until funds are depleted.
Entergy Arkansas has streamlined the application process, offering an online option at www.getliheap.com for most customers. Alternatively, applications can be submitted in person at local community-based organizations. Brandi Hinkle from Entergy Arkansas Corporate Social Responsibility encourages customers to take advantage of the user-friendly online application, emphasizing the importance of family and friends assisting those who may face technological challenges.
Entergy Arkansas Offers Winter Utility Bill Assistance Through LIHEAP Program
Hinkle underscores Entergy Arkansas’s commitment to supporting customers during financial difficulties, emphasizing the significance of a swift application process, especially in low-temperature conditions, to ensure uninterrupted power supply or reconnection if needed.
The Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment oversees LIHEAP for electricity, natural gas, and water. While applications must go through community-based organizations, customers can find their local agency online at www.adeq.state.ar.us/, which also provides details on eligibility criteria and necessary documentation.
Eligibility hinges on factors such as household size and income. For instance, a single individual with a maximum monthly countable income of $2,054 and a family of four with $3,949 both qualify.
Required documentation includes digital copies of a photo ID for the utility account holder, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, proof of residency, and copies of the most recent utility bills. Upon approval for LIHEAP funding, agencies issue a pledge on the customer’s account for reconnection or to prevent disconnection.
Entergy Arkansas also offers additional assistance options for managing utility bills, including Level Billing or Pick A Date, detailed at https://www.entergy-arkansas.com/residential/. The website provides energy efficiency tips to help customers effectively manage their energy consumption.
How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient and Save on Heating
In the face of escalating energy costs, enhancing the energy efficiency of your home has become increasingly crucial. Implementing a few straightforward changes can not only contribute to saving money on your heating bill but also play a role in supporting the environment.
Initiatives such as insulating your home, including walls, attic, and floors, can yield substantial savings by retaining heat in winter and cool air in summer. Window replacement, particularly for drafty or single-paned windows, with energy-efficient double- or triple-paned alternatives can significantly reduce heat loss.
Upgrading to Energy Star-labeled appliances when replacing older models ensures greater energy efficiency, with these appliances consuming at least 10% less energy than their standard counterparts. Identifying and sealing any gaps or cracks around doors, windows, and other openings with caulk or weatherstripping prevents heat loss from even small leaks.
Additionally, lowering the thermostat by each degree can result in up to 3% savings on your heating bill, while programmable thermostats offer automated adjustments for energy conservation during periods of sleep or absence.
Embracing natural light by opening curtains and blinds during the day further reduces reliance on artificial lighting. These energy-efficient practices not only contribute to cost savings but also make a positive impact on the environment.