Entergy Notes December

December 2006
Entergy Opens East Bank Customer Care Center
Join us as we celebrate the opening of the new and enlarged East
Bank Customer Care Center located at 3400 Canal Street on the corner of
Jefferson Davis Parkway on Dec. 18, at 8:30 a.m. This center joins the West
Bank Customer Care Center in Algiers located at 4021 Berhman Highway in
the River Commons Shopping Center.
Both centers are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, to meet your needs. Customers are able to handle many of their
concerns including:
·
·
Turn on or turn off Entergy New Orleans and Entergy
Louisiana service
Review Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana bills with
a friendly customer service representative professional
·
Make payments
·
Discuss and choose payment options like Levelized Billing
and Pick-a-Date
·
Get answers to billing or service questions
“We are continually looking for ways to exceed our customers’
expectations,” said Cathy Herren, Entergy New Orleans director of customer
service. “The Customer Care Centers are part of our commitment to help our
community and our customers.” The centers were established in April 1999 to
help Entergy interface with customers.
As a result of Hurricane Katrina, Entergy New Orleans lost its two
east bank customer care centers--Carrollton/Hollygrove and New Orleans
East. As soon as it was feasible to return to the city, a customer service
center was opened at the Uptown Shopping Center location. Following
closely, another center was opened in the RiverLand Credit Union office on
Loyola Avenue. These two locations will close on Dec. 14.
These locations were temporary centers to immediately meet the
needs of our customers. After much research, we have found a centrally
located building in the Mid City area to better meet your needs. We hope that
you find this location convenient.
Need a speaker for your organization or an
Entergy representative to attend a neighborhood meeting?
Call Mary Winder at 504-670-3530 to schedule an appointment.
Our Mission
The mission of the ENO Customer
Service organization is to provide
exceptional customer service safely
and profitably by fostering
professionalism, nurturing positive
relationships, communicating
effectively, unifying our efforts and
adapting a self-crucial attitude in
servicing our customers.
Cathy Herren, Customer Service
Director
Pat Ricks, Regional Manager
Mike Dupuis, District A
Sarah Sharp, District B
Ken Faust, District C
Lynn Lee, District D
Katherine Miller-Harris, District E
For questions about your bill, or to
report a gas emergency call:
1-800-ENTERGY
(1-800-368-3749)
To report an Outage:
1-800-9OUTAGE
(1-800-968-8243)
In this issue
Page 1
Opening East Bank CCC
Page 2
Tips for Selecting a Contractor
Solar Panels Installed at YMCA
Page 3
Recipe of the Month
Entergy in the Community
Energy Management Tip
Page 4
Rebuilding New Orleans
Tips For Selecting A Contractor; Don't Be Sorry Later
As rebuilding and renovations continue in post-Katrina New Orleans, media reports periodically remind us that
many of our customers become victims of fraudulent or poor workmanship performed by contractors.
Entergy New Orleans encourages everyone who is undergoing renovations to hire only licensed electricians and
plumbers to help ensure the safe resumption of electric and gas service.
Before hiring a contractor in Orleans Parish, follow these steps:
·
Make sure the contractor is properly credentialed by asking to see a copy of his electrician’s or plumber’s
license. Electricians should have a Class A Electrical License that includes a photo.
·
Plumbers must show a Master Plumber License from the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. Out-of-town
plumbers must show a certificate, but are allowed only to perform restoration work and not new installations.
For a list of licensed plumbers in the city or to verify that a contractor is on the list, call the Sewerage &
Water Board at 504-585-2160.
Tips when meeting with a contractor:
· Ask for proof of insurance, references, a company name and whether the person performing the work will
be the contractor or a subcontractor. Ask for a detailed list of work to be performed along with a written estimate.
· Ask whether or not the contractor knows how to file for city inspection once the work is completed. If using
the city’s FastTrack permitting, ask the contractor to review all of the work performed before signing an affidavit
waiving inspection.
· Residents who require more information about restarting electric and gas service, and inspections and
permitting, may visit www.entergy-neworleans.com and www.cityofno.com.
Solar Panels Come To New Orleans
For nearly 100 years, the New Orleans Dryades YMCA has worked in the community to
develop and implement innovative programs and provide services for children, families and
young adults. The hub of these programs was housed in a historic facility built in 1905 on
Dryades St.
After a major fire destroyed the YMCA’s historic home in February 2000, a Capital
Fund Raising Leadership Team was formed and the journey to build a new physical structure
began. The new facility, which opened Nov.14, 2005, spans over 48,000 square feet. Last
month, a new feature added to the building was a 2,000-square-foot, 20-kW photovoltaic
(PV) solar energy system, donated by Entergy Corporation.
Entergy Corporation, Dryades YMCA, Direct Global Power and the project architect joined forces and formed
the YMCA Solar Power Initiative to make installment of the PV system possible. The Dryades YMCA system is the
second largest PV installation in New Orleans. This energy-saving initiative will provide emergency power to light the
facility’s 3,000-square-foot multi-purpose room, which will be utilized by both students and community, in the event of an
emergency.
The installation will also serve as an educational tool for students of the Singleton Charter School and youth
involved in YMCA programs. A visual and educational arrangement of mobiles powered by the PV system, entitled “Art
In Motion,” is planned for display in the lobby.
Sponsorship of the Dryades YMCA installation was spearheaded in 2001 by Entergy Corporation as part of its
goal to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions at year 2000 levels. The company’s goal has since been achieved and
renewed to stabilize emissions at 20 percent below 2000 levels through 2010. “Entergy Corporation is pleased to
support this innovative project at the New Orleans Dryades YMCA, not only for its energy-saving initiative, but to
introduce the students in New Orleans to solar panels and their benefits,” said Gary Serio, vice-president of safety and
environment for Entergy. “This project is another testimony to Entergy Corporation’s vision to provide our communities
and the customers we serve an improved and sustainable environment.”
Photo: Paul Lewandowski of Direct Global Power installs Entergy-funded solar panels on the roof of the newly
rebuilt Dryades YMCA building.
Here’s One of Our Favorites Just In Time for Christmas
from Our “Woodstoves to Microwaves” Cookbook*
Fruitcake Cookies
½ pound candied cherries, chopped
½ pound candied pineapple, chopped
1 package (15 ounces) golden raisins
1 pound (4 cups) pecan pieces
½ cup flour
¼ cup (½ stick) butter
½ teaspoon cloves
Candied cherries
cup orange juice
½ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ tablespoons milk
1 cup sifted flour
½ teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3
Combine fruits and nuts; coat with ½ cup flour. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each
addition. Dissolve soda in milk; add to creamed mixture. Sift flour and spices together; add alternately with orange juice
and blend well. Pour batter over floured fruits and nuts; mix well. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheet. Place a
piece of cherry on each cookie. Bake in 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Yield: 10 dozen
*These recipes have been in use for a long period of time. They were developed and tested when home appliances were not as
efficient and powerful as they are today. Cooking times and temperature suggestions may have to be altered to provide optimum
results.
Entergy Around Town
Customer Service Manager Lynn Lee attended the Edgewood Park Neighborhood Fair in
October. More than 300 Gentilly residents took part in the fair, which was held to assist
Edgewood Park and Gentilly residents with questions concerning all aspects of post-hurricane
issues. Lee distributed Entergy Notes and a fact sheet about restoring service. Lee was joined by
Sandra Hickman, Entergy customer relations specialist, as they worked an informational booth to
answer customer’s questions.
Photo: CSM Lynn Lee, center, is joined by New Orleans Clerk of Court Arthur Morrell and State
Representative J.P. Morrell and on right: Brady Skinner, vice president, Indian Village Neighborhood Association
Energy Management Tip of the Month
Ways to conserve energy this winter
There are dozens of ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money. Before you do anything
else, consider these four improvements that will give you the biggest return on your investment:.
· Adjust your thermostat. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or the lowest comfortable setting.
· Add attic insulation
· Seal the duct work. In eight out of 10 houses in the South, leaky ducts waste more energy than any other
problem. Your duct work should be made airtight everywhere ducts attach to vents, each other and the heating/
cooling system.
· Seal other air leaks. Air infiltration from the outside is another huge energy loser. Caulking and weatherstripping
are the keys to sealing air leaks.
Play It Safe
· If your home has flooded, have a licensed plumber inspect gas heaters, appliances and gas lines to ensure
safe and proper operation. For more gas safety tips visit www.EntergyNewOrleans.com.
· Never use a gas range to heat your home or apartment.
· Listen to your nose. If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call 1-800-ENTERGY.
Rebuilding New Orleans Energy Efficiently
Entergy New Orleans is committed to helping customers manage their energy costs. The following list of
Louisiana programs and federal tax credits are designed to help customers who are rebuilding their homes build them
more energy efficiently.
Federal Tax Credits and Appliance Rebates for Homeowners: Consumers are eligible for a tax credit of up to
$500 for money spent on energy improvements in their homes. For example, you can get a $300 credit for installing a
highly efficient central air conditioner, heat pump or water heater, or a $200 credit for installing energy-saving windows.
To be eligible for the tax credit, these improvements must be made in 2006-2007. You would receive the tax credit in the
tax form you file by April 15, 2007 or 2008.
Energy Star: When you buy a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR label that will save money in energy
use over time. ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the
environment through superior energy efficiency. Energy efficient choices can save families about one-third on their energy
bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort.
Louisiana Home Energy Loan Program: Under this program, homeowners can get reduced interest home
improvement loans to make energy-related improvements to their existing homes. The Louisiana Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) will finance half of the improvements at 2 percent interest, up to a maximum of $6,000 on the DNR
portion.
Louisiana Home Energy Rebate Option Program: The Louisiana Home Energy Rebate Option (HERO) offers
an actual cash payment for Louisiana residents who build or improve homes to high levels of energy efficiency. The
amount of the cash payment depends on the level of energy savings, called the Energy Efficiency Premium. The cash
payment is 20% of the Energy Efficiency Premium up to a maximum of $2,000. Rules, guidelines and procedures for the
HERO Program are subject to change without notice.
For more information, go to www.dnr.state.la.us/SEC/EXECDIV/TECHASMT/programs/residential/hero/
instructions.htm.
Entergy Only U.S. Utility Named To Worldwide Dow Jones Sustainability Index
Entergy Corporation has been named to the highly-regarded Dow Jones Sustainability Index – World for the fifth
year in a row. Entergy is the only U.S. utility to make the DJSI-World list this year.
The DJSI includes companies whose overall environmental, social and economic sustainability performance are
in the top 10 percent for their sector. The Dow Jones assessment of general and industry-specific sustainability criteria is
verified by an external auditor. Entergy was among 1,200 candidates including the world’s largest companies in 58
different sectors.
Wayne Leonard, Entergy’s chairman and CEO, said, “Our continued listing as a DJSI company is unprecedented
for a U.S. utility company and demonstrates that this is not just a mission statement or an aspiration. This is what we
value and how we choose to live our lives in the service of others.”
In the electricity sector, Entergy ranked best in class for: Social Responsibility, Corporate Citizenship/
Philanthropy, Corporate Governance and Climate Strategy.
Entergy Notes is a publication
of Entergy New Orleans
Editorial Staff:
Morgan Stewart
Beth Raley
Anita Hymel