The heat of summer can easily lead to high bills, which is why officials with Entergy Louisiana say it is important to be proactive and follow simple energy-saving tips.

Setting the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, using ceiling fans to feel coolers and sealing cracks around doors and windows are only a few ways to control costs. The following five tips aim to help residents manage the higher costs of keeping cool:

Level Billing – Entergy averages a bill over a rolling 12-month period so there is a consistent bill each month of the year. The customer pays about the same amount every month, with no surprises.

Pick-A-Date – The customer can choose which day of the month to be billed on. This can help better manage a customer’s cash flow by lining up the bill with a budget.

Payment Extension – Qualifying customers who need more time to pay their bill can call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) or request an extension online through myAccount.

The Power to Care – Through Entergy’s The Power to Care program, local nonprofit agencies can provide emergency bill-payment assistance to seniors and disabled individuals in crisis.

LIHEAP – The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal program that provides money to help with energy bills and other energy-related expenses. St. John the Baptist Parish offers LIHEAP through the Department of Health and Human Services. For information on how to apply for assistance through local community agencies, call 1-800-421-0762 or 986-652-9569.

If help is needed with a power bill, don’t delay. Call Entergy’s customer service representatives at 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) to see what solution might best “fit the bill.”

Before the next bill comes, take a few simple steps to save money by being more energy-efficient, or take advantage of our energy-efficiency programs visit Entergy Solutions.